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News, Sports, Weather, Traffic and the Best of ConnecticutTue, 03 Mar 2015 18:57:24 +0000enhourly1http://wordpress.com/http://0.gravatar.com/blavatar/22718143cc35715d77e187926ebda93b?s=96&d=http%3A%2F%2Fs2.wp.com%2Fi%2Fbuttonw-com.png » Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com
E.S.P.’s Mother’s Day Gift Guidehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/e-s-p-s-mothers-day-gift-guide/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/e-s-p-s-mothers-day-gift-guide/#commentsThu, 08 May 2014 14:00:25 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=187776Show mom how much you appreciate all she does by getting her something from E.S.P.'s Mother's Day Gift Guide.]]>Consider these gifts for Mother’s Day 2014, brought to you by CBS Local’s Eat See Play.

Moms do a lot, from teaching you how to act like a gentleman on a first date to making sure you eat all your veggies to cleaning off any smudges on your cheeks with her thumb…responsibilities that don’t end when you technically enter “grown-up” territory. Show her your appreciation this Mother’s Day by doing a lot for her, starting with a few gifts recommended by Eat. See. Play.

Sign up here for more E.S.P. recommendations of things to eat, see and do nearby.

Simple light pink and black color blocking gives the Caranna tote bag from Ted Baker some class while a flower print lining adds a hint of fun. It’s large enough to hold all of Mom’s essentials (plus the rest of the family’s) and is equipped with internal zip pockets so she can easily find tissues, gum or chapstick at a moment’s notice.

Oreos, graham crackers and Nutter Butters were the treats that defined your childhood. Reminisce about those happy days by enjoying the next-level version of those sweets (a.k.a. covering them in creamy milk chocolate) with Shari’s Berries chocolate-covered cookie collection. Fingers crossed that Mom doesn’t keep them all for herself.

Whether Mom’s into yoga or simply meditating after a long day of laughing at Dad’s corny jokes, a gift of her own yoga mat will let her practice at home or in a studio. Made with innovative, eco-friendly material, the natural fitness eco-smart yoga mat provides non-slip traction during the most intense practice – thus preventing Mom from slipping out of warrior pose.

Some Moms love to read about cooking just as much (if not more) than they love whipping up a Top Chef-worthy meal. Iron Chef America star and The Next Iron Chef winner Marc Forgione’s new book mixes 170 recipes and gorgeous photos with stories of his unlikely rise to the top. Home cooks and aspiring chefs will find their culinary skills elevated with recipes like Chili Lobster, White Gazpacho with Laughing Bird Shrimp, and Salt-Crusted Rack of Lamb.

You may never notice how your mom’s hair looks, but she certainly does. Help her maintain her mane with SHE by SO.CAP.USA’s Argan For You product line, an array of Italian-made hair-care products including shampoo, conditioning masks and curling cream, enriched with luxurious Argan Oil. You don’t have to know what that means, but she will.

If your mom likes wine, the stainless steel Corkcicle.ONE is the all-in-one device, simultaneously chilling, aerating and capping any bottle of wine. And with the signature icicle design, it’s pretty darn cool looking. If she doesn’t like wine, this may be enough to turn her.

As any mother knows, summertime drinks are as much about taste as they are presentation. The elegant Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Jar will make any of Mom’s concoctions dazzle, dispensing drinks while keeping them fresh and cool.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/e-s-p-s-mothers-day-gift-guide/feed/0Ask The Chefs: Breakfast Recipes For Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-the-chefs-breakfast-recipes-for-mothers-day/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-the-chefs-breakfast-recipes-for-mothers-day/#commentsWed, 07 May 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=184564Treat your mom to a restaurant-caliber breakfast at home with help from these Connecticut chefs.]]>Usually, it’s mothers who are in the kitchen serving up breakfast on a daily basis. It’s no surprise then that on Mother’s Day, moms are treated to a special breakfast. It’s one of the busiest days for chefs because families like to have mom step out of the kitchen on that day. The venues listed below have chefs who always do something delightful for breakfast, but on Mother’s Day, they do something extra special. Here are some of their very special breakfast treats.

Hedy Watrous is the chef at The Whistle Stop Café in Deep River. She likes to come up with special recipes all of the time. However, on Mother’s Day, she goes all out. Last year she whipped up such a great recipe that moms can’t wait to see what she has in store this year. Knowing that people eat with their eyes as well as their mouths, her recipes look as delicious as they taste. She shares her special Mother’s Day recipe with you – stuffed French toast with rose petals and whipped cream for two.

Stuffed French Toast with Rose Petals and Whipped Cream for Two

French toast mix ingredients:

2 large eggs

1 tablespoon cinnamon

1/2 tablespoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon cream

1/2 tablespoon sugar

Directions:

Whisk these ingredients together and dip good quality sourdough bread on both sides – 4 pieces total.

Stuffing ingredients:

2 tablespoons cream cheese

rose flower essence (available at any Indian food market)

Directions:

Cook the dipped bread in butter until golden. Stuff with cream cheese mixture. Top with either raspberries or strawberries, whipped cream and rose petals. Serve immediately and remember to enjoy!

With a subtitle that reads “Gourmet Cheesecakes & Café,” this charming café features incredibly light scones, fabulous omelets and breakfasts that are delicious. Stockbridge’s has learned the secret to light and fluffy. During afternoons, it hosts English-style tea with dainty little sandwiches including cucumber and butter, chicken salad and black forest ham, as well as melt-in-your mouth desserts. For Mother’s Day, Stockbridge’s unforgettable breakfast treat is a fabulous omelet and variation of French toast. Brian and Lisa Stockbridge both work the kitchen with Brian serving up the cooking and Lisa in charge of desserts, frostings and cake decorations.

Mother’s Day Crab Asparagus Omelet and French Toast

Omelet Ingredients:

3 eggs

Lump crab

Fresh asparagus

Local goat cheese

Hollandaise sauce

Directions:

Mix together the eggs, crab and asparagus. On the inside of the omelet, insert goat cheese and when omelet is golden and fluffy, top with a Hollandaise sauce.

French Toast:

For the French toast, the Stockbridges whip up a special sweet cream between two slices of French toast and serve it with fresh strawberries and with a vanilla sauce on top.

Elaine and Leo Klevens welcome guests to their bed and breakfast and are especially busy from April through to the New Year. It’s always Mother’s Day on any Sunday here because Elaine creates her unforgettable apple baked French toast.

Apple Baked French Toast

Ingredients:

Eggs

Cream

Sugar

French bread

Sliced apples

Cinnamon

Nutmeg

Directions:

Measurements depend on how many you are planning on serving. This chef eyeballs it. Mix together eggs, cream and sugar. Then, layer slices of French bread in a baking dish. Top with sliced apples. Pour liquid over bread and apples and then sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg. Let soak overnight and then bake for one hour.

Jim and Marcie Townsend are host and hostess at the Stonecroft Inn, which is an elegant inn originally established by a sea captain in 1807. There are two distinct styles to this charming inn, but one thing is for sure – Jim and Marcie like to cater to their guests. For Mother’s Day or any Sunday, the Townsends will serve a guest favorite – eggs benedict. “We prepare it traditionally, but also use many different variations to satisfy our vegan guests, or those who don’t like bacon,” said Jim.

Eggs Benedict

Ingredients:

2 English muffins

Butter or margarine

4 eggs

Bacon

Directions:

Preheat boiler for 10 minutes. With a fork, prick each muffin. Spread each muffin with butter. Broil until muffins are toasted. Next, fill a buttered skillet with about one inch of water and bring to a boil. Turn off heat. Slip eggs into the water one at a time and cover until whites are solid – about three minutes. Then with a slotted spoon under each egg, slip them out of the pan, draining any water. Place on a muffin and add bacon if desired, Hollandaise sauce and enjoy.

Erika Hall and Thomas Nicholas are the two gracious hosts who welcome guests to their beautiful inn. Only minutes away from Mystic and the Mohegan Sun Casino, this inn features beautiful spacious rooms with a view of Lantern Hill. Some rooms feature a jacuzzi, others a whirlpool bath and fireplace. No matter what room you choose, breakfast will be deliciously prepared by Erika. Here’s a chef who believes in the freshest ingredients.

Erika’s French Toast

Ingredients:

1 French baguette

2 eggs

1 cup of milk

1 tablespoon homemade vanilla

Raw sugar

Butter

Cinnamon

Powdered sugar

Thick slices of organic/nitrate-free bacon

Directions:

Slice bread on the diagonal for long slices. Dip bread in egg, milk and cinnamon mixture. Fry in butter. Dust with powdered sugar. Serve with bacon.

Joanne Greco Rochman is the arts editor of The Fairfield County Review, a columnist, critic, feature story writer and English professor. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Republican-American and Hersam-Acorn Publications. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-the-chefs-breakfast-recipes-for-mothers-day/feed/0Five Ways To Celebrate Mother’s Day In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/five-ways-to-celebrate-mothers-day-in-connecticut/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/five-ways-to-celebrate-mothers-day-in-connecticut/#commentsFri, 02 May 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=182836Here are just five unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Connecticut.]]>Mother’s Day is traditionally a family day. It is day where mothers and grandmothers and great-grandmothers are taken out for a drive, a meal or some other place special to honor them for nurturing the family. Connecticut offers a number of unique variations on that theme, with sights to see along the seashore, elegant old manor houses that have been turned into charming restaurants and renowned theaters that put on award-winning productions. Here are just five unique ways to celebrate Mother’s Day in Connecticut.

Water’s Edge Resort & Spa has a full-service spa where mom can relax, refresh and revive. There are also packages available that include a stay in one of the nearly 170 guest rooms, suites and villas – many of which have a view of the shore. Water’s Edge has a fine restaurant and lounge (which often has live entertainment), and many opportunities for mom to get up and move about on the tennis courts, at the fitness center or by walking the beach. The surrounding town has many charming antique stores and other shops, and makes for a fine getaway for Mother’s Day.

Taking mom out for a day at the shore is an old Connecticut tradition, but for a truly unique change of pace, why not see the shore from the Sound? Tours out of Mystic are available for individuals, families and groups aboard the Schooner Argia. A replica of a 19th century two-masted sailing ship but with all of the modern amenities, the Agria sails up the MysticRiver, around Fishers Island and into Long Island Sound. The crew will point out the homes of famous sea captains and other man-made and natural sights of note, and nervous moms need not worry – there are lifejackets aplenty and the Argia has a diesel engine should the wind be too calm to fill the sails. Snacks and soft drinks are included, but passengers are encouraged to pack a picnic – and the crew will even provide complimentary napkins, paper plates, cups, ice and coolers. There are half-day and sunset cruises, and the sailing season starts May 3 – just in time for Mother’s Day.

Mother’s Day brunch need not be some stuffy, noisy, formal affair in a crowded ballroom. At Adrienne’s in New Milford, Sunday brunch is as charming and welcoming as the host, Adrienne Sussman – a veteran chef who’s elegant manor house home doubles as a restaurant. The setting is intimate and comfortable, and the cuisine is true New England cooking. The baked goods are made on the premises from all-natural ingredients, and Chef Sussman has built upon years of experience at the Waldorf-Astoria’s Peacock Alley and other famous restaurants around the country to present a fine American menu. The dress is comfortable and if the weather permits, as it might in May, outdoor seating is often available in the garden.

Mother’s Day weekend is opening weekend for the Long Wharf Theatre’s presentation of the award-winning musical, “The Last Five Years.” Written and composed by Jason Robert Brown and directed by Gordon Edelstein, the romantic, intimate and at times humorous musical drama tells the story of a couple’s love from both points of view: his and hers. The Long Wharf is one of the best and also one of the most affordable theaters not just in New Haven but also in all of Connecticut, and it is within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants.

Mother’s Day comes just after spring hits its half-time stride, and what better way to put a smile on mom’s face than by letting her share it with another mother – Mother Nature. The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens in Stamford is a wonderful enclave of trees, bushes, flowers and other beautiful bounties where moms and their families can walk in this great botanical park. Come a day before Mother’s Day and hit the annual spring plant sale, all of whose offerings are grown by certified master gardeners from the University of Connecticut. The UCONN gardeners will be available to talk about their trade and offer advice on how best to care for home gardens. The arboretum is open Mother’s Day, as it is every Sunday (and every other day of the year) from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. There are many trails to wander, and mom can even bring her dog along (if the puppy is leashed).

Mark G. McLaughlin is a professional and prolific writer with a proven publishing record in a wide variety of fields. An historian, novelist, freelance journalist, ghost-writer, book reviewer, magazine editor, web and magazine columnist, Mark has more than 30 years of experience. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/five-ways-to-celebrate-mothers-day-in-connecticut/feed/0Top Spots For Mother’s Day Gifts In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-for-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-for-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/#commentsTue, 29 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=182834With Mother's Day fast approaching, it is your opportunity to say thanks to your mom, grandmother, wife, aunt, sister or friend. Get her a gift to remember from one of these Connecticut shops.]]>With Mother’s Day fast approaching, it is your opportunity to say thanks to your mom, grandmother, wife, aunt, sister or friend. Saying thanks can come in many ways. You can select an activity for her to enjoy on her own, make memories by doing an activity together or find the prefect product to make her smile. An additional resource for ideas to honor the special woman or women in your life is the previously published article, Best Mother’s Day Gifts In Connecticut.

The perfect way to relax is at the hands of a professional masseuse. A gift card to A Moment Away spa will allow the special person in your life to unwind and take some time to herself. This spa’s menu of services includes but is not limited to massage, facial treatments, body wraps, hydrotherapy and feet or hand services. If your special lady wants to gather friends or other family members, A Moment Away has a room dedicated to spa parties where guests can bring wine and food to help enjoy a day with no distractions.

If your mom has a green thumb, you can find all of the garden items to fulfill her wish list. The Connecticut Country Store has flower and vegetable plants from A to Z. This is a hometown business that sells homemade gifts, shrubs and landscaping materials. What makes it unique is its local maple syrup and honey, supporting Connecticut’s own farms.

Gouveia Vineyards is one of the wineries and vineyards that’s part of the Connecticut Wine Trail. Located at the top of a hill, it overlooks Wallingford and surrounding towns, providing Kodak-moment views and sunsets. The vineyard provides two options for Mother’s Day gifts: gift cards or hands-on experiences. Allow your mom to plan a day at the vineyard on her own or bring your mom and family to the vineyard for an enjoyable day out. The vineyard offers wine tastings or glasses and bottles of your favorite wines. Visitors are permitted to bring their own food and snacks.

Mohegan Sun is known for being one of Connecticut’s casinos. It is unique in all of the attractions, restaurants and hotel it provides. Located inside the casino is the Mohegan Sun Arena, attracting some of the most popular musical tours in the country including Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Bruce Springsteen and Alan Jackson. Each comedy show and concert hosted at this venue attracts a variety of interests and crowds. The events and concerts are listed on the website. Purchase a concert ticket for your mom this Mother’s Day.

For some, food is the way to the soul. If your mother, grandmother, aunt or sister loves sweets and Italian baked goods, stop by Mozzicato. This bakery will draw you in with its delicious, fresh scents. Choose from rows of cakes, breads, cookies, pastries and gelato. Bring a box full to your Mother’s Day celebration. Mozzicato has bakeries located in Plainville, Wallingford and Hartford.

Kimberly Ord is a freelance writer and lifetime resident of Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
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]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-for-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/feed/0Book Gift Ideas For Mom On Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/book-gift-ideas-for-mom-on-mothers-day/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/book-gift-ideas-for-mom-on-mothers-day/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 13:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=185249These books from Simon & Schuster will make the perfect gift for any mom this Mother’s Day.]]>

Want the perfect gift for mom this Mother’s Day? Check out these books from Simon & Schuster, whether she’s looking for an novel she just can’t put down, an inspirational memoir, or just wants a little help in the kitchen, she’ll be glad when you hand her one of these—perhaps happier after she’s been treated to breakfast in bed!

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Teaching the Cat to Sit: A Memoir By Michelle Theall

Teaching the Cat to Sit tells the story of Michelle Theall who grew up in the Texas Bible Belt, at odds with her volatile and depressed mother. At 42, Michelle has made delicate peace with her mother and lives her life openly with her partner of ten years and their adopted four-year-old son in Colorado. But when her son’s Catholic school decided to expel all children of gay parents, Michelle finds herself in a public battle with the Church and a private one with her parents that causes her to examine how to be a good mother and daughter.

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

The Museum Of Extraordinary Things By Alice Hoffman

The Museum of Extraordinary Things is the story of electric and impassioned love between two vastly different souls set against the backdrop of a vibrant turn-of-the-century New York City. Coralie Sardie spends her days performing as the Mermaid in her father’s “museum”—a Coney Island freak show—while dreaming of freedom. Eddie Cohen runs away from his father’s home and a Lower East Side factory in hopes of becoming a photographer. If your mom loved The Night Circus or Water for Elephants, this is the perfect gift!

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Carla’s Comfort Foods: Favorite Dishes from Around the World By Carla Hall

Top Chef fan favorite and celebrity chef, Carla Hall is the maven of comfort food. In these 125 recipes, she takes on international flavors of comfort, offering variations on everyone’s soulful favorites. Sections are devoted to turnovers around the globe like curried potato samosas, spanakopita, moussaka, and empanadas, and others to variants of Chicken ‘n Rice dishes like Arroz con Pollo, Jollof, and Paella. Give your mom a day of comfort and prepare her one of these delectable meals!

Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Whistling Past The Graveyard By Susan Crandall

In the bestselling tradition of The Secret Life of Bees and To Kill a Mockingbird, Whistling Past the Graveyard is a coming-of-age tale set against the backdrop of 1960s Mississippi. When nine-year-old Starla runs away from home, she doesn’t expect to hitch a ride with Eula—a black woman who is driving with a white baby alongside her. Through a series of unforeseen events, Eula and Starla embark on a road trip to Nashville that leads to healing and self-discovery for both. Moms all over will enjoy this tender story of unlikely companions who show each other that often, family is forged from those who sacrifice all for you—whether bound by heart or blood.

From bestselling author of What Crazy Looks Like on an Ordinary Day come the triumphant journal entries of a compelling writer and remarkable woman. Pearl Cleage’s journal and memoir charts not only the political fights but also the pull she began to feel on her own passions—a pull that led her away from her husband, Michael Lomax, as she grappled with ideas of feminism and self-fulfillment. In the bestselling tradition of writers like Joan Didion, Maya Angelou, and Nora Ephorn, Cleage’s self-portrait raises women’s confessional writing to the level of fine literature.

This list was provided by Simon & Schuster, A CBS Company. For more information about these books or other newly released titles, visit www.simonandschuster.com

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/book-gift-ideas-for-mom-on-mothers-day/feed/0Spend Mother’s Day Celebrating With Grandmahttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/spend-mothers-day-celebrating-with-grandma/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/spend-mothers-day-celebrating-with-grandma/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=185187Don't forget to show Grandma some love on Mother's Day this year. Here are some great activities and crafts to show Grandma just how much you care.]]>

Mother’s Day is fast approaching (remember, it’s always on the second Sunday of May!), which means you are probably hard at work coming up with a few special ways to show mom just how much you care. However, don’t forget that Grandma is a mother, too, and she deserves just as much extra attention on Mother’s Day. Why not use the holiday as a chance to spend some quality time with both Mom and Grandma? There’s nothing better than getting multiple generations of family together to celebrate the most important women in your life.

Craft Time: Make a Family Tree

Photo Credit Thinkstock

What better way to spend time with your grandma than to work together to create a visual history of your family? Grandma will love sharing stories and reminiscing about the past, and you’ll love learning more about your family’s origins. You can use genealogy sites or rummage through Grandma’s old photos to create a visual picture tree. Your children are sure to have fun drawing pictures of things that represent each family member. A stethoscope can represent your uncle, who was a doctor, or a firetruck can symbolize Grandpa, who was a firefighter. Each person you add to the tree is sure to inspire hours of stories and memories, which is really the best thing to get from time with your grandma. And when you are done, you’ll have a wonderful memento to hang up as a memory of your special day together.

Interview Her

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Set up a little home studio, grab your video camera and hit record. For the home studio, you can easily create a backdrop with a solid color bed sheet or tablecloth. Add a couple of chairs and a plant and you are ready to start recording. If you don’t have a regular video camera, most phones are equipped with a strong enough camera to do an excellent job. Help your children write the questions, and then play dress-up as their favorite newscaster. The fun comes when the kids actually get to do the interviewing, as they ask their grandma all sorts of great questions about what it was like when she grew up. If you have basic editing software like iMovie or Windows Movie Maker, you can also have a lot of fun editing the video with music and titles to create your own little family news video. When it’s done, post it to YouTube to share with the rest of your family.

Spend Some Time in the Kitchen

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Cooking is always a great activity to share with your children. It can become a special activity when your kids get to learn old family recipes from their grandmother. Have her show the kids a few family secret recipes, create them together and share the stories that accompany them. Was the recipe handed down from multiple generations? What is Grandma’s earliest memory of eating that particular dish? What makes it special? These are all great questions that your children will have a blast learning the answers to as they spend a few hours cooking with Grandma in the kitchen.

Make a Time Capsule

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Spend some time coming up with a few very special items to put in your own family time capsule. There is no limit to the imagination and creativity that your kids can use as they come up with a list of the things to add. Once you have created your time capsule, put it in a decorative box and bury it in the yard together. Make sure to remember where it is buried, and then plan on digging it up five or even 10 years later. Sure, it seems like a very long time to wait, but when you do, you’ll have so many amazing memories from those items, and from the special day you spent creating this capsule as a family.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/spend-mothers-day-celebrating-with-grandma/feed/05 Mother’s Day Cocktails She’s Sure To Lovehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-mothers-day-cocktails-shes-sure-to-love/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-mothers-day-cocktails-shes-sure-to-love/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=185199Forget breakfast in bed, encourage Mom to rest her feet and relax with a daytime drink, served by you.]]>

Is there a mom in your life who deserves extra-special treatment this Mother’s Day? Encourage her to rest her feet and relax with a daytime drink, served by you.

Here are five suggestions for Mother’s Day cocktails that can be fixed with just a few ingredients. But don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each one is a refreshing concoction she’ll love, and taking the time to mix and serve it will show Mom just how much you mean to her.

Blushing Mimosa

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Grenadine gives this drink a pretty pink hue that will look lovely served in a Champagne flute. Squeeze a few oranges, and cool the juice in the refrigerator. When the fresh-squeezed orange juice has cooled, combine two parts orange juice with one part chilled pineapple juice. Splash in a bit of grenadine. Fill a glass halfway with the juice mixture, then fill it the rest of the way with Champagne.

Pear Berry Cocktail

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Pear-flavored vodka is the secret to this fruity drink. Use a store-bought variety, such as Absolut Pears, or make your own by soaking clean, whole pears in good-quality vodka. If you want to try your hand at making your own flavored vodka, plan ahead, as it takes at least a month to get a good infusion.

For the cocktail, fill a glass with ice. Pour in 1½ ounces of pear vodka, 4 ounces of cranberry juice and 1 ounce of club soda. For a garnish, toss in a few frozen cranberries, and put a slice of fresh pear on the rim of the glass.

Sweet Sunrise

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Don’t leave out the nursing mamas when it comes to Mother’s Day drinks! If Mom can’t enjoy an alcoholic cocktail, this virgin version of a tequila sunrise will be sure to please. Fill a glass with ice, and pour ½ cup of fresh-squeezed orange juice over the ice. Add a dash of grenadine, then garnish your drink with an orange slice and a cherry.

Peach Bellini

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Store-bough peach juice can be used for this daytime cocktail, or you can make your own peach puree by simmering fresh or frozen peach slices in water for several minutes. Let it cool slightly, then puree the fruit in a blender until smooth. Fully cool the puree before using it in this recipe.

For the drink, you’ll use one part peach juice or puree and two parts Champagne. The peach juice goes in the glass first, then the Champagne slowly gets poured over it. Leave space in the glass so you can drop in a few fresh peach slices as a garnish.

Greyhound

Photo Credit Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Malibu Red

A greyhound is the grapefruit-juice version of a screwdriver. To make one, pour two parts pink or white grapefruit juice and one part vodka into an ice-filled glass. Fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice is a little something extra that will take this recipe up a notch, or for an even fruitier drink, add a splash of pineapple or orange juice. Dress the cocktail up with a few slices of citrus fruit or sugar on the rim of the glass.

For all she does for your family, Mom deserves a good drink this Mother’s Day. These five cocktails, made with love by you, are sure to please.

Meghan Ross is a freelance writer covering all things home and living. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-mothers-day-cocktails-shes-sure-to-love/feed/0Mother’s Day Gift Guide For Mom’s In Need Of ‘Me’ Timehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-gift-guide-for-moms-in-need-of-me-time/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-gift-guide-for-moms-in-need-of-me-time/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=185121Need some gift ideas for Mother's Day? All suggested gifts are perfect for pampering the most important lady in your life.]]>Whether Mom heads to an office or spends the day with the kids, all moms have something in common: they’re working hard to take care of the family. As such, there’s one thing any mother would love this Mother’s Day—a gift that helps her relax and gives her a bit of ‘me’ time, free of the daily grind.

Getting Out of the House

Photo Credit Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images

Mom may get some ‘me’ time when she runs errands on her own, but she deserves some time away from home that is a bit more about her.

Spa day: Buy her a gift certificate for any number of services, such as a mani/pedi, massage or skin treatment, because what mom doesn’t love getting pampered?

Yoga or Pilates: If your mother likes to stretch her muscles and practice the art of breathing—something that comes in handy as a mom—get her a gift certificate to a local studio.

Time out and about. Give your significant other the chance simply to get out of the house and do something she enjoys. Perhaps she’ll head to her favorite coffee shop or go see a movie on her own. The point is, she’s able to spend a few hours away knowing that you’re taking care of the family.

Relaxing at Home

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Think inside the box. While offering to do some of the chores she typically does is always welcome, here are a few Mother’s Day gift ideas that allow her to pamper herself in the comfort of her own home.

Tea set. Or coffee, depending on what she likes best. This can include a gift basket of her favorite tea or coffee, a new mug or tea pot, as well as a few food items to go along with her favorite drink. You can never go wrong with chocolate.

Aromatherapy. The right scent can relax and calm. Perhaps buy her a few lavender-scented candles or a scented bubble bath.

Bath gift set. Speaking of baths, there are so many different gifts that you can get that will allow Mom to pamper herself at home behind her bathroom’s locked door. Create a unique gift basket tailored to her, and include such things as bath salts, a loufa, sea salt scrubs, body washes and body lotions. For good measure, also toss in a bottle of wine or two and a copy of that new book she’s been wanting to read. Many bath and body stores also offer pre-arranged packages that follow a theme, or scent, of sorts.

Massage at home. Bring the spa to Mom, either with an in-home massage with a licensed professional, or with a massage chair. The perk of the chair? She can use it whenever she wants; it’s the gift that keeps on giving.

While this guide will get you started on your Mother’s Day shopping, be sure to consider the things your mom likes the most, particularly when it comes to relaxing. While some moms might prefer a simple bottle of their favorite wine, others might appreciate tickets to their favorite sporting event or a kid-free night to hang with girlfriends and go dancing. You know your mom, and your significant other, best.

Elizabeth SanFilippo is a freelance writer, who enjoys trying new foods from all over the world. But her favorite city for culinary treats will always be Chicago. When not writing about food, she’s scribbling novels, and TV show reviews and recaps. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-gift-guide-for-moms-in-need-of-me-time/feed/0Women Reveal What They Love About Being ‘Mom’http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2014/04/27/women-reveal-what-they-love-about-being-mom/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2014/04/27/women-reveal-what-they-love-about-being-mom/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 11:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=186216Despite the obvious differences in lifestyle, a stay-at-homer and a working mom share what they adore about the crazy world of motherhood.]]>A toddler’s playground can be the stage for bickering, fighting and name calling, and that’s just from the moms. An on-going “I can do it better than you feud” has long raged between working and stay-at-home moms, yet all mothers everywhere are tied together by one common thread – love for their children. Despite the obvious differences in lifestyle, a stay-at-homer and a working mom share what they adore about the crazy world of motherhood.

Working mom Susan Rosenblum is based in Brooklyn, NY and has commuted back and forth to her job as a legal secretary in Manhattan since her son, Jason, was a baby. “It was easier to go to work when he was little than it is now,” she admits. “I had someone I trusted taking care of him and knew he was safe. Now that he’s older and a lot more involved in school, I wish I had more hours to assist with schoolwork. Between Spanish, math and music, there just isn’t enough time, ever, to do everything that needs to get done. Even though I’m not home every minute of every day, I’ve loved watching him grow and seeing the person he has become,” she adds.

Stay-at-home mom Holly Rodriguez may have the best of both worlds – a part-time job she manages from the house and a flexible schedule allowing her to spend as much time as she needs to with her children. “I love my new alarm clock – my 20-month old son – reciting his ABC’s first thing in the morning and the feeling of his heartbeat in sync with mine when he falls asleep in my arms,” says the Richmond, VA native, who thrills at every soccer goal her daughter scores and considers her children to be her greatest teachers. “I love how my children have taught me the healing power of laughter in just about every situation – from funerals to poo in the bathtub – and how, in my quest for perfection, they have taught me to embrace what is less than perfect,” she says.

Photo Credit Thinkstock

Rosenblum agrees, despite a hard-lined schedule and the demands of city life. “What I love about a being a mom, just so many things,” she says. “I love seeing myself and my chatterbox ways reflected in Jason, who is so much like me. But what I love the most, I think, is simply the everyday things that bind us together as a family. Even as Jason gets older, I can’t believe I produced this human being. All moms hope to leave a legacy because our kids are the future. You pray you’ve laid the right groundwork, but also have to let go of the reigns and let them fly, hoping in your heart you gave them the right tools to do so.

Not all moms earn a paycheck, but certainly, no one would argue that moms don’t work. Some commute to jobs and see their kids a little less than they would like. Others spend their days smelling the roses and sometimes wish, maybe, for a break and the opportunity to put on a clean shirt and pair of high heels. No matter how they spend their days, all have stories to share about spilled milk, dried tears, unstoppable giggles and the joy of being a mom.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2014/04/27/women-reveal-what-they-love-about-being-mom/feed/05 Classic Moms In The Movieshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-classic-moms-in-the-movies/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-classic-moms-in-the-movies/#commentsSun, 27 Apr 2014 10:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=186521Hollywood never gets bored with mothers. Over the years, they’ve glorified, vilified, and otherwise memorialized enough great mom characters to fill a book—and now, Richard Corliss has written just that with Mom in the Movies.]]>

Mom In The Movies Courtesy of Simon & Schuster

Hollywood never gets bored with mothers. Over the years, they’ve glorified, vilified, and otherwise memorialized enough great mom characters to fill a book—and now, Richard Corliss has written the book!

Here’s a sampling of five classic types of screen mothers, all featured in Mom in the Movies.

#1: The Great American Mom

The Great American Mom, particularly popular in the 40s, displays the kind of warmth and heroic love for her children that make viewers wish she were part of their own family. One great example is Marta Hanson in I Remember Mama(1948), played by Irene Dunne. Marta scrimps and saves to help her son attend high school and help her daughter fulfill her literary potential. Always understanding when others are critical, the Great American Mom struggles to raise her children above their circumstances and makes you believe that you, too, can realize your dreams.

#2: The Criminal Mom

The Criminal Mom, often the mastermind behind any nefarious activities going on in the film, uses her children’s love for her to manipulate them into a life of crime. Shelley Winters played a classic Criminal Mom, Kate “Ma” Barker, in Bloody Mama (1970). Winters’ character, loosely based on the real Ma Barker (who lived in the 1930s), lives by robbing banks with her four sons. When the boys bond with a businessman they’ve kidnapped, Ma recognizes the threat of an appealing father figure and orders them to kill him. The Criminal Mom is kind to her children when it suits her, but can be hard as nails when faced with losing control.

#3: The Showbiz Mom

From Mother Wore Tights to Mommy Dearest, crazy movie moms who devote their lives (and their children’s lives) to the stage are everywhere. The Showbiz Mom is a tyrant who will stop at nothing to achieve stardom for her children. Mama Rose in Gypsy, played by Rosalind Russell in the 1962 film, is the ultimate Showbiz Mom. She pushes her children to do whatever it takes to find the success she never had, sacrificing their love for her in her quest to make the audience love them.

#4: The Surrogate Mom

The Surrogate Mom, while sometimes initially reluctant, feels such a strong connection to an abandoned child that she makes him or her part of the family. Peg the Avon Lady in Edward Scissorhands (1990), an enthusiastic Surrogate Mom played by Dianne Wiest, does not even hesitate; she wanders into a forbidding castle on a hill, discovers a grim boy with scissors at the ends of his arms, and takes him home. Despite her best efforts, this tale of a gentle misfit will not end well, but it is one of Tim Burton’s most bittersweet stories. While Edward may not be accepted, he has a mom who loves him.

#5: The Malevolent Mom

The law of averages means that, among the billions of women who have given birth and raised kids, at least a few must be really rotten. The Malevolent Moms of the film world reach the heights of bad parenting, and none more so than Mrs. Iselin in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), played by Angela Lansbury. Mrs. Iselin acts as a Soviet double agent at the height of the Cold War, and helps brainwash her innocent son into killing eight people in a Communist takeover plot. In her Oscar-winning performance, Lansbury is a ruthless, ingenious manipulator. Whether Malevolent Moms are driven by avarice (Regina Giddens in The Little Foxes), a need to assert their own youthfulness (Mrs. Robinson in The Graduate), or simply their own controlling personalities, the sheer level of their villainy is unforgettable.

Richard Corliss is the movie critic for Time magazine and wrote the book Talking Pictures: Screenwriters in the American Cinema. His new collaboration with TCM, Mom in the Movies, is out now from Simon & Schuster, a CBS Company.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/5-classic-moms-in-the-movies/feed/0Top Mother’s Day Events In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-mothers-day-events-in-connecticut/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-mothers-day-events-in-connecticut/#commentsFri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=127077Single mom or matriarch, here in Connecticut there are as many ways to say "I love you" as there are moms.]]>

Mother’s Day is an opportunity to not only thank mom for all the many things she has done for you, but also to show your appreciation for her as a person. Single mom or matriarch, here in Connecticut there are as many ways to say “I love you” as there are moms.

Mom deserves the best and Seasons at Oak Lane is just that. Show your appreciation for all mom does by taking her to a place with customer service that will make her feel like a queen, food that will please her palate and breathtaking views to soothe her soul. The brunch menu offers something for everyone including fresh fruit, bagels, pancakes, french toast, pasta, salads, a carving station, an omelet station and more. Golfers can enjoy a game or make use of the practice area or driving range before or after the meal at this now public facility. Reservations are required.

If your mom embraces a holistic lifestyle or you would like to introduce her to the idea, why not sign up for a jewelry workshop at Hands and Paws Reiki For All? Get in a little quality one-on-one time before the big family celebration and learn about the healing properties of crystals as you create your own therapeutic piece of jewelry. Reference materials are available to learn about the healing properties of various stones. Find out how choosing the materials and making your own jewelry infuses the item with your unique healing energy. Other classes are ongoing and new ones are being added, making this a journey that the two of you can continue on and benefit from together. This particular event costs $40.

You don’t have to be of Greek descent to enjoy the food and fun at this Mother’s Day weekend tradition. For the 41st consecutive year, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church will be the place to go for one of the best cultural experiences around. The menu includes some of the most mouth-watering fare such as moussaka, gyros, souvlaki and spanakopita (spinach and feta cheese in layered filo dough) with hamburgers and hot dogs for those who are not so keen on trying something different. Don’t forget to sample some desserts to die for like baklava, kourambiedes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar) or loukoumades (honey puffs with walnut and cinnamon). Enjoy Greek music, dancing, raffles, kids activities and shopping to enrich your experience.

Help mom get away from it all with a 90-minute cruise on the RiverQuest. Choose the time slot that fits your family’s schedule and enjoy the sights while you learn about the rich history of the Connecticut River and its many inhabitants. Cruise in comfort on this 64-foot, handicap-accessible vessel that offers both indoor and outdoor accommodations. Mom’s admission is half price to celebrate her day.

If your mother enjoys expressing herself through outdoor gardening, then head over to the Wilton Garden Club’s annual plant sale. Add to mom’s collection and help get her started for the season. Items available include perennials, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, grasses, ground covers, gifts and more. Your mom will appreciate being showered with some of her favorite things that are almost as beautiful as she is. The sale will be held rain or shine. Be sure to get there early for the best selection.

Theodora DeBarbieri is an animal advocate, columnist and local TV show host residing in Connecticut. She is owned by a number of dogs, cats and birds. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-mothers-day-events-in-connecticut/feed/0Working Moms: 6 Must-Dos Before Maternity Leavehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2013/05/10/working-moms-6-must-dos-before-maternity-leave/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2013/05/10/working-moms-6-must-dos-before-maternity-leave/#commentsFri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=131482Returning from maternity leave can be a tough transition for some new moms. So if you're getting ready to join the ranks of working mothers, there are some things you can do now to make it easier later. Here are six smart steps to take.]]>By Amy Levin-Epstein

(CBSMoneyWatch) Returning from maternity leave can be a tough transition for some new moms. So if you’re getting ready to join the ranks of working mothers, there are some things you can do now to make it easier later. Here are six smart steps to take.

Talk about your length of leave early

Your maternity leave will go more smoothly if you discuss specific terms and conditions well before it starts. This is especially important if you want to take more than the standard allotted time your company offers to new moms. “It will make it much easier for your boss and colleagues to manage and much less stressful for you when the little one arrives and you are worried about how to tell your work environment,” says Ariane de Bonvoisin, author of “The First 30 Days: Your Guide to Making Any Change Easier.”

Lay down your electronic ground rules

Will you be on email 24-7, check in once a day (or week) by phone, or stay away from all communications completely until you return? “Be crystal clear — first off with yourself — about if and how you will check in and then be very clear and firm in expressing the arrangement to your boss,” says Selena Rezvani, author of “Pushback: How Smart Women Ask — And Stand Up — For What They Want.”Whether or not you stay in touch is up to you — and will depend on your situation. “Not everyone needs to check in during their leave, but it’s more important for the woman that’s close to a promotion or trying to maintain visibility,” says Rezvani.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2013/05/10/working-moms-6-must-dos-before-maternity-leave/feed/0Ask A Connecticut Chef: Top Mother’s Day Brunch Recipeshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-a-connecticut-chef-top-mothers-day-brunch-recipes/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-a-connecticut-chef-top-mothers-day-brunch-recipes/#commentsWed, 08 May 2013 12:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=127073Making mom brunch is a great way for kids to make an affordable yet special meal that says “Thanks, Mom – and we love you.”]]>
Mother’s Day brunch need not involve a fancy restaurant, a Sunday drive and getting everyone, including the kids or even mom, all dressed up. For many moms, Mother’s Day is best celebrated by sleeping in, having a quiet day at home in comfy clothes and letting your children and significant other take care of the cooking. Here are some recipes from a top Connecticut chef who knows what moms want on their special day.

Cindy Hartog
Cindy’s Sous Chefs LLC
(203) 221-1177www.cindyssouschefs.com
Cindy Hartog is uniquely qualified to provide recipe ideas for Mother’s Day brunch, and not just because she is both a chef and a mom. Cindy is a special kind of chef, a “children’s chef” – and no, that does not mean she cooks children; Cindy caters parties where she teaches children how to cook. What better day than Mother’s Day for her students to put what they have learned to the test? Here are three “easy, festive and brunch-like” casseroles which Cindy says are sure to please even some very particular moms on their special day. (These dishes will serve eight, so there will be enough for the entire family).

For The Vegetarian Mom:

Roasted Tomato Bread Pudding
Ingredients:

3 lbs plum tomatoes sliced lengthwise

1 1/2 teaspoons favorite dried herbs

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

1 head garlic

8 cups cubed French baguette

2 cups whole milk

1 cup heavy cream

8 extra large eggs

2 cups coarsely grated Fontina (10 oz)

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano

A large casserole dish (about 13 by 9 inches)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375° F.

Use non-stick spray to coat the casserole dish.

Toss tomatoes in a bowl with your herbs of choice.

Add 1 tablespoon oil and 1 teaspoon salt.

Place tomatoes on a sheet pan with the seed side up.

To the sheet pan, add the garlic head with the top cut off, drizzled with oil and wrapped in silver foil.

Roast the tomatoes/garlic for 1 hour. Allow to cool and obtain the garlic puree by squeezing it out in the skin. Reserve the puree and dispose of the remaining garlic head.

Toss bread cubes in a bowl with remaining oil until coated and pour onto another sheet pan to bake for 20 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Allow to cool.

Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, garlic purée and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix in cheese with a spoon.

In an extra large bowl, combine the bread and liquid mixtures. Pour this combination into a casserole. Add the tomatoes, making sure they are scattered equally throughout the pan, pressing each down gently into the mixture.

Mark G. McLaughlin is a professional and prolific writer with a proven publishing record in a wide variety of fields. An historian, novelist, freelance journalist, ghost-writer, book reviewer, magazine editor, web and magazine columnist, Mark has more than 30 years of experience. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/ask-a-connecticut-chef-top-mothers-day-brunch-recipes/feed/0Best Books For Mom This Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-mom-this-mothers-day/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-mom-this-mothers-day/#commentsThu, 02 May 2013 14:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=130221Looking for some good books for Mom this Mother's Day? Our friends at Simon & Schuster put together this great list covering everything from personal memoirs to fictional mysteries and more.]]>

Looking for some good books for Mom this Mother’s Day? Our friends at Simon & Schuster put together this great list covering everything from personal memoirs to fictional mysteries and more.

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

CARRY ON, WARROR: Thoughts on Life Unarmed
By: Glennon Doyle Melton

Glennon Doyle Melton is the writer of the popular blog Momastery and a recovering bulimic and alcoholic. In this inspirational and humorous memoir, she describes how she learned how to be a loving mother, wife, sister, and friend. Each day is a battle – between parenting, recovery, faith, and living an honest life – and in any battle, one must be a warrior to rise to the top. Deeply affecting, funny, and moving, Glennon Melton’s personal journey will speak to all women who wake up each day ready to carry on.

Former Saturday Night Live cast member Julia Sweeney got the idea for her memoir’s title from a pillow her mom owned during her childhood. She never quite understood the pillow’s message—until she was a mom herself. With her trademark humor and wit, Sweeney recounts her tale of motherhood – from adopting a baby from China as a single parent to explaining the birds and the bees to an eight year old.

For Fans of: Tina Fey’s Bossypants

CARRIE AND ME: A Mother-Daughter Love Story
By: Carol Burnett

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

Award-winning actress and New York Times bestselling author Carol Burnett presents a moving memoir of her relationship with her late daughter, Carrie Hamilton. Through Carrie’s diary entries, photographs, and correspondence, Carol Burnett traces the journey she and her daughter took through some of life’s toughest challenges and sweetest miracles. Intimate, funny, and full of love, Carrie and Me is a tribute to mothers and daughters – a story of hope that only a mother could write.For fans of: David Sheff’s Beautiful Boy or Carol Burnett’s This Time Together

MOTHERHOOD COMES NATURALLY (And Other Vicious Lies)
By: Jill Smokler

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

Jill Smokler, New York Times Bestseller and author of the popular blog Scary Mommy, knows that as much as she loves being a mom, there are just some things about motherhood that just aren’t “natural.” In these hysterical and brutally honest essays, she debunks many myths about motherhood and exposes the “vicious lies” new mothers are told while sharing scandalous confessions from real life moms along the way. Full of parenting tips and prescriptive advice, readers will laugh and cheer Jill on as she proves wrong lies like “You’ll Be Back To Your Old Self In No Time” and “Boys are Easier Than Girls.”For Fans of: Cindy Copeland’s Diaper Diaries or Jill Smokler’s Confessions of a Scary Mommy

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

MY FOOT IS TOO BIG FOR THE GLASS SLIPPER: A Guide to the Less Than Perfect Life
By: Gabrielle Reece

In 1997, former model and Women’s Beach Volleyball star Gabrielle Reece married the man of her dreams – professional surfer Laird Hamilton – and thought she would have it all. After filing for divorce a few years later, she soon realized that not every marriage or family looks like a fairy tale. In the end, they worked it out, but not without the minor hiccups and setbacks that beset every modern family. Wise, insightful, and laugh out loud funny, My Foot is Too Big For The Glass Slipper is a deeply helpful portrait of what it takes to survive the happily ever after.

For fans of: Gabrielle Reece’s memoir is somewhere between Chelsea Handler and Sheryl Sandberg – the right mix of humor and wisdom.

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

THE MOTHERS
By: Jennifer Gilmore

Waiting. Waiting. Waiting. Jesse and Ramon spend their time waiting for the phone call that will bring them a child. From acclaimed author of Something Red and Golden Country, both New York Times Notable Books, comes a moving and poignant novel about one couple’s journey trying to adopt a child. As heartbreaking as it is hysterically funny, The Mothers is an unforgettable story of contemporary motherhood.

For fans of: Meg Wolitzer or Ann Hood

THE KINGMAKER’S DAUGHTER
By: Philippa Gregory

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

#1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory offers a novel of conspiracy and a fight to death for love and power at the court of King Edward IV of England. Full of betrayal, scheming, and political maneuvering, The Kingmaker’s Daughter is the gripping tale of the man known as the “Kingmaker,” Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and his two daughters, Anne and Isabel, used as pawns in his political games.For Fans of: The Other Boleyn Girl – fans will love this tale of two sisters, written in Philippa Gregory’s signature style.

DADDY’S GONE A-HUNTING
By: Mary Higgins Clark

Photo Credit Simon and Schuster

When their family-owned furniture company in Long Island City explodes one night, sisters Kate and Hannah Connelly find themselves caught in the middle of a dark family secret. Worse, Kate barely escaped the flames and is now hospitalized in a coma, suffering from life-threatening injuries. Hannah can’t understand why Kate would be in the warehouse at that hour of the night – and doesn’t realize that the people who could cause the most harm are right in the hospital with her. Riveting, perplexing, and satisfying, the beloved Queen of Suspense Mary Higgins Clark does it again in this page-turning novel.For Fans of: Agatha Christie, and all of Mary Higgins Clark’s earlier mysteries!

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-books-for-mom-this-mothers-day/feed/0Top Spots To Buy Mother’s Day Gifts In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-to-buy-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-to-buy-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/#commentsTue, 30 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=125822Mother's Day is almost here and you want that special gift to show her how much she means to you. You will find some unique presents in the following Connecticut shops.]]>

Mother’s Day is almost here and you want that special gift to show her how much she means to you. You will find some unique presents in the following Connecticut shops. Browse to find candy to fill mom’s sweet tooth or just the right plant for her garden. Maybe cooking is her passion and reading her pastime. With so many good choices, narrowing down just the right one might be difficult.

Sweetteez is a candy shoppe of handmade candy that also does candy catering. You can purchase one gourmet chocolate bar or have a party for mom with a chocolate buffet. If you want an elegant tin or box of unique candy or chocolate gift baskets, there are several to choose from. Sweet or sour, it’s your choice. There are Mother’s Day gift candies already made up that range from $19.95 to $59.95, or design your own. If it’s gummy bears or licorice she enjoys, Sweetteez will surely satisfy.

Woodland Gardens has been in operation since 1939. With 16 greenhouses and over eight acres, there are outdoor as well as indoor plants. For the mom who loves working in the garden, there are trees, flowers and shrubs to see. You will also find sculptures and benches for the yard. If edible gardening is her hobby, vegetables and herbs are ready to plant. Sign her up for a workshop to design a summer container garden or create a Pansy living wreath.

The knowledgeable staff at Stonewall Kitchen is here to help you with specialty food products and tastings. You will also find kitchen gadgets, books and home decor items for entertaining inside as well as unique pieces for the outside garden. Specialty food baskets are available starting at $9.95. Start mom’s breakfast with a Le Creuset Truffle French Press. Maybe mom would enjoy a cooking class. There is always a gift card.

Lori Greene has been in business since 2008. Her shop sells well-made and unique items at affordable prices. At Elizabeth Richard Gifts, you will find bath and body products, jewelry, as well as Willow Tree and Lolita collectibles. Fascia chocolates are handcrafted in Waterbury for over 45 years by the Fascia family. If mom loves china, crystal and/or flatware, browse Belleek through Wedgwood. Kitchen tools are also available. The items in the shop change regularly.

This bookstore has been serving the New Haven community for over 30 years. For the mom who enjoys a good book, her author can be found here. If an art coffee table book, a garden reference book or wanting to learn a foreign language is more to her liking, it is one-stop shopping. Gift certificates never expire and can even be phoned in and mailed to mom. She can use it on books, culinary treats, cards and more. If magazines are more her style, there is a large assortment to choose from.

Paula Moliver is a noted designer with a specialty in all things related to fiber. She spins and dyes her own yarn and is skilled in weaving and needle arts. She has been widely published in noted magazines including Arts & Crafts, Better Homes & Gardens and the Decorative Painter. Paula is a regular educator at New Pond Farm. She resides in Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-spots-to-buy-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/feed/0Mother’s Day Celebrations From Around The Worldhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-celebrations-from-around-the-world/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-celebrations-from-around-the-world/#commentsMon, 29 Apr 2013 11:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=126020Ever wanted to know how and when Mother's Day is celebrated around the world? We take a look at the annual traditions of five countries to find out.]]>

When you think of Mother’s Day in the U.S., you probably think of flowers, phone calls and crowded restaurants for brunch. But did you ever wonder how Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world? Although Mother’s Day has been officially proclaimed a holiday since 1914 in the U.S., many countries around the world have been celebrating a day honoring mothers for centuries, with celebrations occurring in ancient Greece and Egypt. Check out the following to see how other countries honor moms.

Costa Rica

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

In Costa Rica, mothers are honored on August 15. The date coincides with the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into heaven and is a national public holiday. As such, it’s also a day off from work, with banks, schools and offices closed for the day. However, many stores and restaurants remain open. It’s considered a day to celebrate mothers, grandmothers and other women important in everyone’s lives. It’s also a day off for moms. In addition to receiving small gifts, many moms get a break from doing the chores in honor of the special occasion.

England

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

England celebrates Mothering Sunday, which is typically celebrated on the fourth Sunday during Lent as a way to visit the nearest big church in the area. Today, church services are still an important part of the celebration, with special prayers given for mothers. Children typically give their mothers small presents or cards, too. Simnel cakes, which are fruitcakes with almond paste and marzipan, are also a part of Mothering Sunday.

Finland

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Called Äitienpäivä, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May in Finland. The family might take a walk together before breakfast, and afterwards, the day is spent pampering mom with breakfast in bed or by preparing some of her favorite foods. The family may also visit the cemetery to remember mothers, grandmothers and other special relatives who have passed away. The day is also a way for some mothers to receive recognition on the national level through the receipt of honorary medals. Flags are flown across the country in recognition of the day.

Mexico

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Mother’s Day in Mexico is observed on May 10 every year and is called “Día de las Madres.” On that day, children honor their mothers with gifts, including homemade craft projects, boxes of favorite candy and flowers and some may also serenade their mothers with the song “Las Manañitas.” This song is sometimes accompanied by a mariachi band. Schools might organize special celebrations for mothers if the date falls on a school day. It is also a day to remember grandmothers, as well as mothers and grandmothers who are no longer alive.

Thailand

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

In Thailand, Mother’s Day honors the birth of Queen Sirikit, considered the “Mother of all Thai people.” The day is observed on August 12 every year to commemorate her birth. Colorful lights, processions and speeches are all part of the celebration and the day also includes people thanking their own mothers for their love. Mothers are also presented with jasmine and in turn, the mothers bless their children.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in “-er.” She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I’m a Trader Joe’s Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mothers-day-celebrations-from-around-the-world/feed/0Pick-A-Side: What Is The Best Mother’s Day Activity?http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/what-best-mothers-day-activity/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/what-best-mothers-day-activity/#commentsMon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:38 +0000jessicalimareyeshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=129439Having a hard time trying to figure out what to do with your mom this mother's day? Check out these activities and pick your favorite one! ]]>Having a hard time trying to figure out what to do with your mom this mother's day? Check out these activities and pick your favorite one! ]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/what-best-mothers-day-activity/feed/1Make Mother’s Day Extra Special With These Great Recipeshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/make-mothers-day-extra-special-with-these-great-recipes/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/make-mothers-day-extra-special-with-these-great-recipes/#commentsMon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=126375Are you looking for great recipes for Mother's Day this year? Let the following three recipes help you plan your menu with food your mom is sure to love.]]>

Are you having mom over for brunch on Mother’s Day? Whether you want to serve her a decadent breakfast or want to create a special lunch for her, using no-fuss recipes is a great way to serve her a delicious meal without the hassle. And with Mother’s Day right around the corner, it’s never too early to consider planning your menu. To get started, use the following recipes as a simple — and delicious — way to honor mom. These recipes are also streamlined and easy enough to assemble that your child can pitch in too.

Bread PuddingThis bread pudding is an easy-to-assemble recipe that even a young child can help put together (with some adult supervision, of course). The assembly time takes fewer than 10 minutes, while the long baking time frees you up to prepare other items on your brunch menu. The recipe was inspired by AllRecipes.com’s bread pudding with changes to both the ingredients and a bit of the directions. Enjoy!
Ingredients:

5 to 6 slices of bread

3 eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cups milk

1/2 cup honey

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

4 dashes of nutmeg (optional)

1/3 cup dried fruit, such as raisins, cranberries or cherries

1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Directions:

Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Arrange bread in an 8-by-8 or 9-by-9 baking pan. Bread does not have to be cut in cubes, but you may need to cut some of the slices to completely cover the bottom of the pan.

In a bowl, mix eggs, milk, honey, cinnamon and nutmeg, stirring until all ingredients are combined and the mixture turns a light brown color. You don’t want the honey to clump. Drizzle the mixture over the bread and make sure the bread is completely covered by the egg mixture or it will dry out in the oven.

Sprinkle dried fruit and chopped nuts over the bread and egg mixture.

Bake for about 45 minutes or until the pudding has a soufflé-like appearance that bounces back when lightly touched with a knife. Serve this bread pudding hot with a bowl of fresh-cut fruit and mom’s favorite tea or coffee. This recipe serves four.

Tropical Smoothie

Does mom like fruit? If so, make sure to include this refreshing smoothie, which can be served with brunch or as an afternoon snack. It’s also a quick and easy addition to any Mother’s Day menu. This smoothie makes about one serving in a tall glass.
Ingredients:

1 cup milk

1 cup each frozen or fresh mangoes and frozen pineapple, thawed and chopped into bite-size chunks

1 medium ripe banana, chopped

1/2 cup orange juice

1/2 cup ice

Directions:

Pour the milk, fruit juice and ice into a blender and blend until smooth. Depending on the blender’s settings, this might only take about 30 seconds.

Pour the smoothie into a tall glass. For a more festive look, pour the beverage in a wine glass and garnish with a wedge of fresh-cut pineapple.

Chicken And Apple Salad

If you want to serve sandwiches at your Mother’s Day brunch or lunch, give this recipe a try. It combines the tartness of raisins with the satisfying crunch of celery and walnuts and is a play off of this Southern Food recipe. Serve this salad on toasted whole wheat bread or rolls garnished with lettuce and thin slices of red onions. To save time, consider preparing this salad the morning of your event. This salad makes enough for two generous sandwiches.

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Ingredients:

1 chicken breast, cooked and diced

1 apple peeled, cored and diced

1/4 cup grapes cut in half lengthwise

1 celery stalk finely chopped

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup plain yogurt

1/2 tsp. dry dill weed

1/2 tsp. seasoned salt

Salt and pepper

Directions:

In a medium-size bowl, combine yogurt, dill weed and seasoned salt and mix thoroughly. Add in the chicken and mix again.

In a small bowl, combine the cut apples with lemon juice and stir thoroughly.

Add the apples, grapes, celery and walnuts to the chicken mixture, and stir gently until mixed. Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad, if desired.

Refrigerate until lunchtime.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in “-er.” She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I’m a Trader Joe’s Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/make-mothers-day-extra-special-with-these-great-recipes/feed/0Homemade Mother’s Day Gifts Kids Of All Ages Can Makehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/homemade-mothers-day-gifts-kids-of-all-ages-can-make/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/homemade-mothers-day-gifts-kids-of-all-ages-can-make/#commentsMon, 29 Apr 2013 10:00:00 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=126390For a unique Mother's Day gift, you can't go wrong with a homemade craft from your child. The following crafts are geared to specific ages, but all are sure to delight mom.]]>

Got kids? With Mother’s Day just around the corner, you might be looking for a unique craft your children can create and give to mom, grandmother or aunt. By completing any of the crafts listed below, you and your children can spend time together while learning a new skill and making a memorable gift. These crafts also use supplies you likely already have on hand. All you need is some creativity and time set aside to finish the project, and you’re ready to go.

This wreath features your children’s handprints arranged in a colorful wreath that can be hung on the door. It’s also a lasting memento of the size of your children’s hands. When you’re finished, keep the wreath in a shirt box. It makes a nice presentation and it also doubles as a keepsake box so mom can reuse the wreath in the future.

To start, cut out the base of the paper plate for your children. Then make one hole in the paper plate and thread your string or ribbon through it, tying a knot so it makes a loop. Next, trace your children’s hands on the construction paper; trace their hands on every color for a bright assortment. You want to have enough handprints to cover the wreath, and you can always arrange the handprints in layers along the paper plate. After cutting out the handprints, keep your plate with the curved side up and glue each cut-out hand on it. To create a fun look, arrange the hands in a variety of different ways, with some pointing up and others pointing down or to the sides. Let it dry, then add sequins or glitter, if desired. You can personalize this wreath by including your children’s names and the date the wreath was made.

If mom is a bookworm, have your school-age children make a bookmark that is literally as unique as their fingerprints. This project lets your children stretch their imagination while also creating a fun, unique gift.

To create the bookmark, you or your children can cut the cardstock so it measures 2.5 inches by seven inches. Next, have your children create a design on the bookmark using their fingerprints; for instance, they can spell out ‘Mom’ with their fingertips or create a rainbow using a multitude of colors. Use colored pencils to add extra details, like your children’s names or a special message to mom. After the ink dries, punch a hole at the top of one end of the bookmark, string the yarn or ribbon through it and tie it.

Personalized Magnets
Ages: 10 and up

Photo Credit Thinkstock.com

Materials needed:

copies of favorite pictures printed on photo-quality paper

adhesive magnetic strips

scissors or precision knife

glue

embellishments like glitter or sequins (optional)

What busy mom wouldn’t appreciate having a few magnets on the fridge to keep school reports, recipes and soccer schedules in one place? With this project, older children can create customized magnets that can’t be found in the store. Using copies of pictures from your family’s latest vacation or last year’s holiday photo, have your teens create memorable and personalized magnets that mom is sure to love.

You and your children can spend time together selecting pictures to use as magnets; just make sure to select pictures with vibrant colors, so they will make a nice contrast on the refrigerator. After selecting pictures, make copies of the originals and make sure the photos are no bigger than four inches by six inches, as you don’t want the magnet to take up too much space. Next, have your children cut and trim excess portions of the picture. If your children want to get a precise cut, have them use the precision knife. Encourage them to use glue to attach fun embellishments, like sequins or glitter. After the glue dries, peel off the adhesive from the magnetic strip and attach it to the back of the picture.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in “-er.” She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I’m a Trader Joe’s Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/homemade-mothers-day-gifts-kids-of-all-ages-can-make/feed/0Best Mother’s Day Gifts In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/#commentsTue, 08 May 2012 10:00:33 +0000cbsexaminerhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=75495Mother's Day is here and you want to get your mom something special. These gallery's and boutiques can help you out.]]>When you think of your mother, does a smile come across your face? This is her day, so what better way to show her she is special than with a personal gift she can treasure? The following stores are filled with out of the ordinary, one of a kind gifts and a whimsical assortment of trinkets.

Tapestry Rose is an interesting hybrid of gift shop, art gallery and historical museum, and it’s just as delightful and unique as mom herself. Housed near the old Rocky Hill railroad station on the Connecticut River, the very building itself exudes an air of timelessness. The shop carries unique gifts for mom, including handmade journals by Kimberly Cannon, Alison Designs jewelry, bookcases, art, crystal trinkets, picture frames and more. Bring mom and make it a true outing by visiting the oldest ferry in America, located just down the street.

Photo Credit: Thinkstock.com

Down on Main Street
14 Church Hill Road
Newtown, CT 06470
(203) 426-5253Hours: Mon to Sat—10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun—11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (There are often extended hours around Mother’s Day)

If mom likes Vera Bradley bags and Chamilia beads, you will have no problem getting her just what she loves at Down on Main Street. The boutique is filled with candles, handbags, stationary and more. This is a one-stop-shop for the mom who loves colorful prints and one-of-a-kind accessories. Down on Main Street is easily located off exit 10 of I-84.

Fairfield Museum Gift Shop is actually a gallery full of works by local and regional artists. You will find books, fine art prints, home décor, handmade jewelry and greeting cards. A trip to this shop is almost like visiting the museum itself, which celebrates local and regional communities and their contributions. Spend time browsing to see what you can uncover. History buffs, education enthusiasts and art connoisseurs who also proudly hold the title of “mom” will be please to know that your gift will help support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs.

The Spirited Hand is a gallery full of handcrafted gifts made in the U.S. and Canada. Here you’ll find artwork, silk scarves, pottery, candles, stemware, and hand blown glass for mom. You can even craft a personal gift basket for mom. The prices range from under a dollar to up to $500, so there’s something here for every budget. Don’t forget the card—you can pick up beautiful, handmade ones to accompany your gift here.

Celebrations is the perfect spot for the tea lover in your life. Make a reservation for your mom and a guest to visit the shop’s Monthly Themed Afternoon Tea Events. The events include finger sandwiches, scones, sweets and biscotti, and of course, a tea chosen to pair perfectly with the theme and spread. The gift shop also holds unique gifts and wrapping is even included. Find teas, sweets, bath and beauty products for mom here.

Paula Moliver is a noted designer with a specialty in all things related to fiber. She spins and dyes her own yarn and is skilled in weaving and needle arts. She has been widely published in noted magazines including Arts & Crafts, Better Homes & Gardens and the Decorative Painter. Paula is a regular educator at New Pond Farm. She resides in Connecticut. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-mothers-day-gifts-in-connecticut/feed/0Becoming A Stay-At-Home Mom — One Woman’s Experiencehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-stay-at-home-mom-one-womans-experience/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-stay-at-home-mom-one-womans-experience/#commentsFri, 04 May 2012 21:47:37 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79653What's it like to be a stay-at-home mom? Read about one woman's experience leaving the working world for full-time family life.]]>

(Photo Credit: Kate Love Photography)

The moment I saw that little positive sign on the pregnancy test, I knew my whole life was about to change… and I was excited. I was one of those little girls who, when asked what she wanted to be when she grew up, always answered “a mommy.” Even through all my years of hard work earning a bachelors degree, I always knew that when I got pregnant, I would put my career on hold for several years. Despite trading in my diploma for my carpool license, I still use my education. It has proved invaluable as I mold the little minds and hearts of my children.

Leaving the workforce to become a stay-at-home mom fulfilled my dreams in many ways, but it certainly presented many challenges, tears and burdens too. The first few months after my first son was born, I found myself feeling lonely and isolated. This was — and continues to be — my biggest struggle since leaving the workforce. The problem is not the lack of people around (there is almost always someone pulling at your leg, sneezing in your hair or screaming for toilet-related assistance). What I miss is the adult interaction and camaraderie that comes with working alongside your peers and friends. Thankfully the tech-savvy mom with a smartphone is only a finger swipe away from Facebook or a mom blog. Given the technology lifeline, it’s no surprise that the mommy blogger phenomenon has made such a profound footprint on the Internet.

Aside from the often unfulfilled need of daily adult interaction, there are also plenty of financial strains that come with being a single-income household. We gave up simple luxuries like Target shopping sprees and eating out. But the constant budget manipulation to make ends meet sometimes takes its toll.

(Photo Credit: Kate Love Photography)

Although we bring in less money than we would had I continued working, we also save thousands of dollars elsewhere. We don’t have to worry about childcare expenses or all the hidden costs that come with working (gas, car repairs, business clothes). Staying home also lets me devote time to money-saving practices, such as cloth diapering and making my own baby food. Overall, we are happy to live on a tighter budget in order to make our situation work.

Staying home gives me such a freedom in all my roles as a wife, mom, friend, etc. Without the fatigue and stress from long work days, I feel more mentally and physically able to be creative in how I spend days with my sons and evenings with my husband. This is totally a personality thing of course, because I have several friends who can work 40+ hours a week at work and be super mom, all before bedtime. But that’s just not me.

The most rewarding aspect of staying home with my kids is the unique effect I have on their lives. I love being their primary caretaker and influencer, being there for every first. I get to enlighten each curiosity and temper each misbehavior. It get to mold them. It is just so precious to see their little characters, brains and hearts take shape. I love my full-time job as stay-at-home mom. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

What has been your experience as a stay-at-home mom? Sound off in the comment section below.

Lauren Kimmel is the Founder of Dallas Moms Blog, a great resource for moms looking to connect to other moms, learn and laugh about motherhood, and discover all that Dallas has to offer families. She finds joy in her roles as a wife to a musician and mother to two little boys.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-stay-at-home-mom-one-womans-experience/feed/0Becoming A Working Mom — One Woman’s Experiencehttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-working-mom-one-womans-experience/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-working-mom-one-womans-experience/#commentsFri, 04 May 2012 21:47:34 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79668What's it like to be a working mom? Read about one woman's experience going back to work after staying home with the kids.]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

My life as a stay-at-home mom was all roses and buttercups. My well-rested children would rise in the morning with glee in their hearts, and I would prepare a multi-course breakfast. As the day continued we would play on swings at the park, color a bit, bake cupcakes and wait eagerly at the window until daddy arrived home from a day at the office.

And then I woke up.

After a long day of changing diapers, running errands, doing laundry, making snacks and tucking kids into bed, the last thing I wanted to do was look for a job. But something fell in my lap, something great and creative and flexible. That last part was key — flexible.

Stay-at-home moms return to work for lots of reasons. Some always knew staying at home would be a short-term thing. Some need the extra income or insurance for their families. Some crave adult interaction.

My reasons for returning to work were nothing that a million other moms hadn’t already considered. I certainly didn’t miss going to an office every day, but I did miss having projects to manage and goals to achieve. I love my two girls with all my heart, but I needed something more to make me whole. And, of course, bringing home an extra paycheck wouldn’t hurt.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Guilty vs. Not Guilty

I heard stories of moms dropping off their kids at daycare for the first time and crying all the way to the office. In my case, I felt guilty for not feeling guilty. After all, I had barely finished paying off my graduate school student loans when I started staying home with my oldest. I was doing what was right for my family by becoming a stay-at-home mom at that time. But eventually going back to work was never a question.

And I’m not saying that I’ve never felt guilty. My daughter will remind you of the birthday party she missed because she had to go to after-school care. And there was that day when the kids got out of school at 11:30 a.m. and the school office called me because I didn’t pick them up. Or the day I sent my kids to school with only Cheetos because the rest of the lunch was left on the counter.

I’m truly lucky that my job lets me be home before dinner time and early enough to help with homework. I’ve learned to make up lost time in other ways, like making sure we eat dinner together as a family during the week and hosting play dates at our house to see my daughters interact with their friends.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Logistics

We don’t have family in the area. That means no overnights at grandma’s house, no aunts to pick up the kids from school and no older cousins to babysit. We’re on our own. How would the kids get home from school? What if my daughter needed to stay home sick? What about half-days (that I can remember) and school holidays, not to mention summer break?

My husband and I equally share the duties and take turns caring for the kids. But I am responsible for scheduling after-school care and summer camps. And I leave work to pick up my daughter from school when she has a fever. Does it upset me… not really. My job is more flexible (part of the reason I took it in the first place), so I just figured it would be that way. Other families work differently.

I’ve come to rely upon and appreciate a close circle of friends who understand what working moms go through. Those friends bring my kids to and from sports practice. I return the favor as much as possible, watching their kids when I can or having their family over for a weekend cookout. It’s important to understand that no mom is an island; we all need a little lifeboat every once in a while. It’s what gets us all through.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Finances

Everyone knows that a second income means more money coming through the front door. But going back to work comes with lots of extra costs. We don’t pay for daycare most of the year because my kids are in school. But after-school care, because of a late meeting, is often an unexpected expense. And full-day camp takes up a pretty significant chunk of my paycheck during the summer months.

The second income has been important to our family. But it can be rough knowing that the extra money you bring home goes to pay someone else to watch your kids. And in many cases, it’s not extra money. It can be a vicious, frustrating cycle.

I know I’m not the first mom facing these issues, but I had to figure it out on my own. We all have to. Does it make more sense to have a job or stay home with the kids from a personal, logistical and financial standpoint? Each family must decide based on their unique circumstances. There is no one right answer. Sometimes circumstances change, and the right decision is made for you. And sometimes the best scenario ends up somewhere in the middle. Freelance work and job-sharing arrangements let more and more moms (and dads too) split their lives between part-time work and part-time parenting.

What has been your experience as a working mom? Sound off in the comment section below.

Kristin McCann is a working mom with two young girls. She strives to have fun, quality time with her family and a fulfilling professional career — even though many believe the two to be mutually exclusive.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/04/becoming-a-working-mom-one-womans-experience/feed/0What Motherhood Means To Me – Real Moms Weigh Inhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/03/what-motherhood-means-to-me-real-moms-weigh-in/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/03/what-motherhood-means-to-me-real-moms-weigh-in/#commentsThu, 03 May 2012 20:46:38 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79492What is motherhood? There are as many answers as there are moms to give them. See what these moms have to say.]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

How do moms feel about motherhood? There are as many answers as there are moms to give them. Motherhood is a fulltime — and a lifetime — job. It’s fun and difficult, rewarding and trying, beautiful and terrifying… often at the same time. The list of adjectives goes on and on. And every woman’s experience is unique.

Mother’s Day is a great time for real moms to weigh in on motherhood. So let’s see what these moms have to say about it.

(Photo Credit: Nicole Dali)

Nicole Dali

Catonsville, MD

My mom was my inspiration to become one myself. She always put my sister and me before anything else and made sure that nothing harmed us and that we knew we were loved, no matter what. I knew I wanted to have that bond with my own children. I am the mother of two very sweet and spirited boys. I love them with all my heart, even when fighting with our five-year-old about everything from getting out of bed, to going to bed. But, these things are forgiven when hearing “I love you” in my native German, or “Mommy, you are BEAUTIFUL!” when getting ready for a nice dinner. And with our four-month-old son, all the sleepless nights and crying spells are forgotten when he gives me his biggest smile and cutest giggle. I feel like the mom I wanted to be when I get these small returns of love from my boys.

(Photo Credit: Sara Gibson)

Sara Gibson

Washington, DC

Recently, my daughter didn’t want my help going down the big slide at the playground. It was a first. I fretted. I imagined all the things that could happen to her on the slide if I wasn’t there. I wanted to go with her anyways to keep her safe. But I stopped myself. It was hard, but I knew she was ready to do this on her own. I let go. I took a step back. I watched proudly as she walked up the stairs, my own heart beating loudly. When she successfully came down and announced “I did it!” I beamed. I also exhaled.

For me, to be a mother is to constantly walk a tightrope, balancing the need and desire to protect my daughter from the hurt of the world with the obligation to let her go at the right time so she can thrive.

(Photo Credit: Jennifer Scarpati)

Jennifer Scarpati

Old Greenwich, CT

As I enter my son Jesse’s third week of life, motherhood signifies to me that sense of amazement I’d lost long ago, but regained this year. My husband and I had always been on the fence about having children. Last June, we went to freeze my eggs in an effort to keep our options open. After preliminary tests, I was told last July that I am completely sterile. I was devastated. Strange but true: we somehow conceived Jesse that same month, and we’re still reeling from shock. Although I’ll never understand these events, I now believe that we were meant to have this miracle baby with chubby cheeks and thick hair. I’ve become cynical over the years, and I’d lost my ability to be amazed. When told I was sterile, I see now that I abandoned all hope too quickly, and that some always remains. Jesse is an excellent teacher, and I’ve learned from him already.

(Photo Credit: Doreen Katz)

Doreen Katz

Shaker Heights, OH

“Stop! Put that down. No hitting. We don’t eat toothpaste. That’s enough TV. Get off your brother’s head! It’s time to eat. Broccoli does taste good. No throwing. Use your napkin. No! What are you doing? The toilet brush is yucky! I love this picture — is that Batman fighting a dinosaur? Awesome! Time for bath. No splashing. I said ‘No splashing.’ I’m going to count to three — 1, 2 . . . don’t you want a bedtime story? Okay, then stop it. It’s time to say goodnight. What was your favorite part about today? I loved playing Candy Land with you too. Give me kisses. I’m only going to sing the Thomas song one time. Okay, one more time. I love you. Good night. Sweet dreams. Yes, you can go pee. Okay, one more hug. Good night. Get back in bed!”

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/03/what-motherhood-means-to-me-real-moms-weigh-in/feed/0The History Of Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/02/the-history-of-mothers-day/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/02/the-history-of-mothers-day/#commentsWed, 02 May 2012 23:16:09 +0000jessicalimareyeshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79600Mother's Day is all about breakfast in bed, handmade gifts and fresh flowers. But how did this holiday get its start?]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

For most moms, the second Sunday in May is all about breakfast in bed, handmade gifts and fresh flowers. But Mother’s Day has its roots in ancient Egyptian and Roman pagan celebrations. It got its start in the US nearly a century and a half ago as a day that brought mothers together in peace against war. Only later did it become the holiday we know and love today.

Egyptian Goddess Isis (Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Celebrating mothers goes all the way back to the Ancient Egyptians, who celebrated Isis, the mother of all pharaohs, in an annual festival. According to the legend, Isis became a mother when she impregnated herself by reassembling her dead husband’s body and implanting it within her womb.

The Ancient Romans celebrated Cyblele, a.k.a. Magna Mater (Great Mother) with parades and races, on April 10th. Extreme worshipers of Cybele took part in a special ceremony known as the taurobolium, which involved being drenched in the blood of a sacrificed bull.

England celebrates Mothering Sunday on the Laetare Sunday, a practice that historians believe originates from the 16th century Christian tradition of visiting your church of origin. On that fourth Sunday of Lent, housemaids, servants and apprentices would have visited not only their mother church, but also their mothers.

Social activist and abolitionist Julia Ward Howe, distressed by the casualties of the Civil War, was the first to call for an official Mother’s Day in the United States. In her Mother’s Day Proclamation of 1870, she urged mothers to band together in peace and opposition to war: “Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn all that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and patience.” A noted pacifist and suffragist, Howe is also the author of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Her own mother had died after giving birth to her seventh child.

It wasn’t until 1914 that Mother’s Day was proclaimed an official holiday by President Woodrow Wilson, thanks to the efforts of Anna Jarvis, who hoped to honor the social activism of her own dear mother. The elder Jarvis had founded Mothers’ Day Work Clubs that raised money to supply medicine for the sick, provided home help for mothers suffering from tuberculosis, and volunteered to nurse wounded Union and Confederate soldiers with neutrality.

Later, Anna Jarvis, disappointed that Mother’s Day had become a “Hallmark” holiday and nothing more, protested the holiday that she had created. “I wanted it to be a day of sentiment, not profit… A printed card means nothing except that you are too lazy to write to the woman who has done more for you than anyone in the world,” Jarvis explained. “And candy! You take a box to your Mother—and then eat most of it yourself. A pretty sentiment!”

Anna Jarvis’s protests consumed her life. She took to the courts to stop a Mother’s Day event in 1923. She went to jail for rallying against the sale of flowers (white carnations had become a popular symbol of the holiday) at an American War Mothers event a decade later. The driven dissident even fought to copyright the term “Mother’s Day” and had her mother’s image removed from a Mother’s Day-themed postage stamp. But Mother’s Day continued to grow in popularity. Anna Jarvis spent her considerable inheritance in this losing battle, never marrying or having children. She died in 1948, blind, penniless and alone.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

These days Mother’s Day is celebrated around the world with flowers and sweets. In Japan, Mother’s Day originally honored mothers who had lost children at war. Today, Japanese children give their mothers carnations to celebrate their love. In France, children traditionally make their mother a flower-shaped cake. In the United Kingdom, children bake their mothers a fruitcake and present her with a bouquet of daffodils.

Let us know how you celebrate Mother’s Day in the comment section below.

Amy Bizzarri is a Chicago-based writer and mom of two kids. You’ll also find her at tiramisumom.com.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/02/the-history-of-mothers-day/feed/0Super Moms In The Movieshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/super-moms-in-the-movies/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/super-moms-in-the-movies/#commentsTue, 01 May 2012 21:40:09 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79105It's hard enough to raise a kid these days. Check out these movie moms who also manage to save the world.]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Strong female characters in movies have come a long way, but there are still some things that we just don’t see very often. A young heroine can be thoughtful, fight crime or both, but she’s usually single, or at the very least childless. The mothers and grandmothers usually just get to be thoughtful, go soul-searching or get rescued. It’s the rare female character who performs the impossible task of saving the world AND raising a kid — as if both of them weren’t feats of heroism already! In honor of Mother’s Day, we take a look at movie moms who get it done.

(Photo Credit: Walt Disney Home Entertainment)

Helen Parr (Elastigirl) – The Incredibles

Pixar has received some flack in the past for not making movies with a female lead. But they definitely didn’t make Helen Parr, the supermom in The Incredibles, anything less than amazing. While raising three kids and fighting to keep a marriage together, Helen does detective work and pulls off a daring rescue. And all the while, she keeps her fingers crossed that the babysitter knows what she’s doing.

(Photo Credit: Live / Artisan)

Sarah Connor – Terminator 2: Judgement Day

Poor Sarah Connor has a rough start in Terminator 2. Committed to an asylum, she is thought to be crazy, even by her son. All she was trying to do was stop the evil computer network that would eventually try to kill him — hardly helicopter parenting! Once she’s finally out and the Terminators start appearing, this mom fights tooth and nail for her son (even when he’s kind of a brat).

(Photo Credit: Miramax)

The Bride – Kill Bill

It’s safe to say that Uma Thurman played one of the most powerful women on a screen share in cinema history. If you haven’t seen Kill Bill: Volume 1and 2, you might want to skip ahead right here. If you have or don’t mind plot spoilers, then it’s safe to say that it was all just for vengeance… at first. Beatrix Kiddo (The Bride) only found out about her child as she was preparing to get her final revenge — which just happened to be against her baby’s father. Sometimes, love is complicated…

(Photo Credit: 20th Century Fox)

Ellen Ripley – Aliens

Lieutenant Ellen Ripley, in Aliens, may not be the biological mother of the young girl she encounters on LV-426. But that doesn’t stop her maternal instincts from kicking into overdrive when young Newt is the last survivor of the doomed space colony. And Sigourney Weaver’s rescue of the girl — along with her exo-suit fight with the Alien Queen — is one of the most powerful scenes of maternal love you’ll ever see in a mainstream science fiction movie, or any movie, period.

Your Mom

Everyone’s mom is unique. But there’s a pretty good chance she sacrificed more than you can even dream of to bring you into this world and keep you here. Maybe she didn’t use a rocket launcher or karate chop anyone (although she could have!), but rest assured she performed plenty of other feats of superhuman strength and will. The very least you can do is give her some of your love on Mother’s Day.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/super-moms-in-the-movies/feed/0Mother’s Day Recipes For Breakfast In Bedhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/mothers-day-recipes-for-breakfast-in-bed/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/mothers-day-recipes-for-breakfast-in-bed/#commentsTue, 01 May 2012 18:38:26 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=78932Mom shouldn't have to make breakfast on Mother's Day. Here are few recipe ideas to make her breakfast in bed.]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Mom shouldn’t have to make breakfast for everyone, or anyone, on Mother’s Day. This is her special day to be treated like a queen. She should be served breakfast in bed, though it may actually be brunch by the time she wakes up. Someone has to create the menu and prepare the food.

Here are a few recipes to help you help that #1 Mom start her day off right.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Yogurt Parfait with Granola and Blueberries

A yogurt parfait is super easy and super delicious. And if mom isn’t much on breakfast, this simple treat may actually be enough.

Spinach and Cheese Strata

A strata is a casserole, though the name sounds a lot more elegant. The beauty of this recipe, apart from being delicious, is that you have to make it the night before. And that frees up your morning! This recipe serves about nine people, so there will be leftovers for dinner.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/mothers-day-recipes-for-breakfast-in-bed/feed/0Special Activities For Mom On Mother’s Dayhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/special-activities-for-mom-on-mothers-day/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/special-activities-for-mom-on-mothers-day/#commentsTue, 01 May 2012 17:03:26 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79108Mother's Day is coming, which means it's time for Mother's Day planning. These simple Mom activities will make her day special. ]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

May has arrived. The showers are gone; the flowers are in bloom. And Mother’s Day is just days away. For many, the excitement or anxiety has already begun.

How do I make Mother’s Day meaningful, fun and stress-free for the special Mother in my life?

Let’s note, before we go any further, that many Mother’s Day planners have multiple Mother’s Days to plan, perhaps for their own mother or step-mother in addition to their wife or girlfriend. Take a moment to figure out who needs the most adulation on this loaded holiday… the Main Mom. A card or flowers should suffice for the others.

The first step is, and I do believe I speak for the majority of moms out there, to get a sense of what the Mom wants/needs for her special day. For example, a day spent with the kids at an amusement park may seem like it would rock her world. But what if she really wants to just be alone, getting pampered at a spa, as far from the kids as possible? Many Moms like to split the day between family and stress-free relaxation. Get a sense of her expectations (ask her!) before planning.

With that information in mind, here are some activities for her special day:

Allow Mom to sleep as late as possible. This is very important! She probably hasn’t slept past 7:00 a.m. since her birthday or Mother’s Day last year. This may require some early morning diaper duty; this may involve some advanced kid wrangling. Taking the little ones out of the house entirely is probably the best way to let her sleep undisturbed. Mom should not be grumpy, tired or resentful that she still had to wake up early on her special day. She deserves to sleep. Let her!

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Make her breakfast in bed (or elsewhere) once she’s awake. The kids can help make the food, fold the napkin or carry in the silverware. Let them do anything that won’t result in an accident or spill.

Allow Mom to relax after breakfast. She may like to watch TV, read or shower at her leisure. This is the perfect time to prepare the Mom coupons, or the kids’ presentation of the Mom coupons. Of course, her favorite flowers would complement this gift nicely.

You did make Mom coupons, right? This coupon book gives her separate coupons for hugs, foot massages, a day without whining, a night off from making dinner. It’s these small, everyday treats that mean so much throughout the year. And coupons are an easy way for her to ask for what she needs. Get as specific as possible, given her personality. The kids may have some imaginative ideas as well.

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

Individual quality time with each of the children comes next. She can get a pedicure with one kid and then going to get a special snack treat with another. These excursions should be fun and fairly quick so there’s little room for boredom or tantrums. These one-on-one outings can become the basis of a special Mother’s Day tradition with memories Mom and the kids can cherish and look forward to every year.

While Mom is out, you can get her car cleaned, shop for the next week, straighten up the house or accomplish some other chore that would make her life a little easier.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/special-activities-for-mom-on-mothers-day/feed/0Cool Gadgets For Momshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/cool-gadgets-for-moms/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/cool-gadgets-for-moms/#commentsTue, 01 May 2012 16:02:45 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79111Want to get mom something different this Mother's Day? Check out these cool gadgets for moms on the edge and on the go.]]>

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

With Mother’s Day approaching, it’s time to think about gifts for those special moms in your life. Cards and flowers may be traditional, but moms today aren’t. Get her a cool gadget that will fit her lifestyle, in touch and on the go. With so much to choose from in various price ranges, you can’t really go wrong.

It’s The Thought (Under $50)

Who says you have to spend a fortune to make mom happy? The eMatic eSport Clip,$24.98, is a great multi-use gadget to cover mom’s basic media needs. This handy device can play music, take pictures, record video, read text files and even record voice memos. All that comes in a sporty little package with a low price. What’s not to love?

The Coby Digital Photo Keychain, $10.99, can hold all of mom’s most precious memories wherever she goes. She’ll be extra surprised when she discovers all the pictures you’ve uploaded ahead of time.

The Bracketron Universal USB Power Dock for $29.95 will give a charge to the woman on-the-go. Mom can power up her smartphone and enjoy hands-free access while she carts the kids around or drives to her next business meeting.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/2012/05/01/cool-gadgets-for-moms/feed/1Pick-A-Side: Which Gift Would You Give Your Mom, If Money Were No Object?http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-gift-would-give-mom-if-money-were-no-object/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-gift-would-give-mom-if-money-were-no-object/#commentsTue, 01 May 2012 10:00:10 +0000jessicalimareyeshttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?p=79057If you could afford any gift in the world, what would you buy your mom for mother's day? ]]>If you could afford any gift in the world, what would you buy your mom for mother's day? ]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/pick-a-side/view/which-gift-would-give-mom-if-money-were-no-object/feed/0Mayim Bialik’s Ways Intuitive Healing Makes Sick Kids Feel Betterhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mayim-bialiks-ways-intuitive-healing-makes-sick-kids-feel-better/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mayim-bialiks-ways-intuitive-healing-makes-sick-kids-feel-better/#commentsMon, 30 Apr 2012 20:20:52 +0000RyanWarrenCBShttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/?post_type=top-list&p=78755Mayim Bialik, author of "Beyond the Sling" and star of TV show "Blossom," shares her real-life advice as a mom with a Ph.D in neuroscience.]]>

(Photo Credit: Simon & Schuster)

Mayim Bialik wrote ‘Beyond the Sling’ to offer her real-life advice as a real mom who has a Ph.D in neuroscience. She believes in Attachment Parenting, which emphasizes strong emotional bonds between children and parents, because it encourages her and her husband to follow their intuition. This intuitive style of parenting extends beyond the baby stage. It even includes how they treat babies and kids (and themselves!) for medical ailments. Added bonus: she played Blossom Russo on the hit show ‘Blossom.’

Between our two boys, ages six and and three-and-a-half, we have dealt with just about every ailment, sickness and flu out there. However, neither of our sons has ever been on antibiotics, nor do we give them Tylenol, Motrin, antihistamines or cough syrup.

I’ve learned from talking to other moms that almost everything you have right now in your home and your heart is enough to deal with most everything. I’m not arguing to be negligent. But too often, I see children being medicated when an ice pack, rest, temporary dietary modifications and good old-fashioned TLC would do the trick!

(Photo Credit: Thinkstock)

General Guidelines

Never second-guess the feeling that something isn’t right.

Don’t hover, but don’t ignore your intuition either.

If you have a feeling that something is not right, check on the baby.

Present parents often have an intuitive sense of their baby’s status that translates to knowing their well-being even from afar. It’s not hocus-pocus, it’s for real!

Top Sicknesses

Here’s how we handle the top four sicknesses most households see:

Earache

About 70 percent of earaches are NOT bacterial and do not need antibiotics. What they need is rest and treatment for discomfort such as garlic drops or breast milk (!) in the ears, or hydrogen peroxide dosed appropriately.

Fever

Fever can be bacterial but is most often viral. Fever is there to kill the virus, so give tepid baths and dress the child in minimal clothing to keep them from overheating.

Plugged tear duct/eye inflammation (not diagnosed pink eye)

Gentle and frequent massage of a baby’s tear duct (towards the bridge of the nose) and breast milk dropped into the eye every time you nurse should clear this up!

Flu

For respiratory flu, a few drops of eucalyptus oil in the bottom of a shower with hot water running can steam up a bathroom for relief from congestion; a cut-up onion wrapped in a cloth handkerchief and placed near a pillow stimulates a runny nose to get the virus out. Rest and tons of fluids are crucial. For stomach flu, wait out the vomiting and diarrhea but don’t stop it up with medicines. It needs to get out! Encourage bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Know the signs of true dehydration (dry lips, weakness, unresponsiveness) and stay close to your child to monitor them.

Children hurt for a lot of different reasons, and a parent’s desire for a child to be free of pain is universal. I implore you to take very seriously the charge given to you. Protect this tiny, dependent person not only with what Western medicine can offer you, but also with the intuition that is yours simply because you are a caring and loving parent.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/mayim-bialiks-ways-intuitive-healing-makes-sick-kids-feel-better/feed/0Best Brunch Spots In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-brunch-spots-in-hartford/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-brunch-spots-in-hartford/#commentsSun, 08 May 2011 18:16:07 +0000nmenziehttp://cbshartford.wordpress.com/?post_type=top-list&p=23Looking for the best brunch spots in Connecticut? There are a number of different restaurants and venues that have a great brunch menu. One even offers a complimentary drink with your meal.]]>Looking for the best brunch spots in Connecticut? There are a number of different restaurants and venues that have a great brunch menu. One even offers a complimentary drink with your meal. – Stephanie Geary

The Corner Pug

One of the best brunch spots in Hartford is The Corner Pug. A popular pub and restaurant, The Corner Pug’s Sunday brunch is possibly one of the best deals in the area. For $12.95 customers can get any one of the following: eggs Benedict, pancakes with breakfast meat, cinnamon French toast, a breakfast burrito or a three-egg omelet. For $14.95, customers can get steak and eggs. Each of these brunch meals includes a complimentary drink – either a mimosa, Bloody Mary, screwdriver or large juice.

The Elbow Room

The Elbow Room offers brunch with a cosmopolitan feel. One of the trendier restaurants in West Hartford, The Elbow Room offers Sunday brunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Menu items include sandwiches like the Kobe beef burger, tuna burger and the All-American bison burger. You can also build your own omelet or get a salmon stacker. The Elbow Room also offers eggs in a number of ways, including eggs Benedict and The Popeye, which is two poached eggs served over sautéed spinach with a hollandaise sauce. There’s also Challah French toast, buttermilk pancakes and Belgian malted waffles.

The Pond House Café

The Pond House Café is one of the best brunch spots in Hartford. Situated on Elizabeth Park on the West Hartford/Hartford line, The Pond House Café offers Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. On the menu is a wide array of breakfast and lunch items. For their egg dishes, The Pond House Café uses Connecticut farm-fresh organic eggs. Choose from a number of different omelets and two versions of eggs Benedict. There are also crepes, stuffed French toast, a vegetarian burrito and corned beef hash. There’s also a breakfast pizza with diced tomato, chopped bacon, scrambled eggs, caramelized onions and mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.

May 8th is Mother’s Day. There’s not as much pressure for my poor husband to make it special (such as on my birthday), but there’s some pressure nonetheless. It has taken 10 years of being a mom but I have finally eased into a comfortable Mother’s Day that the whole family can enjoy. I will admit, I feel a bit entitled on Mother’s Day, but four kids can do that to a person.

When my first child was born, I was almost embarrassed that I would be “celebrated” since Mother’s Day had always been a holiday for my own mother. It made me feel silly, like I was pretending to be a grown up (even though I was practically middle-aged at the time). That first year when my baby was ten months old, my husband put me up in a hotel room with another new mom friend, and I got a full night of glorious, much needed sleep. That was all I really wanted.

As the years went by, and with every additional baby, a hotel room extravaganza was no longer acceptable. Flowers did not quite cut it either, especially when I saw my friends getting expensive bracelets. I am not a jewelry kind of gal but I did feel I should be treated like a queen. After all, wasn’t I working my fingers to the bone with kid laundry, dishes and dirty diapers?

There were a few years of Mother’s Days where I would go out by myself and get a massage or a facial. But then I would feel that it just wasn’t right to not be with my own kids (who now had little personalities and brains) on Mother’s Day. The feeling was fleeting, however, as the desire to be with them soon turned to the dread of returning to the chaos of life with young children. There was also the accompanying guilt that not wanting to be with them was, well, not very maternal. If I wasn’t maternal, maybe I didn’t deserve to be celebrated at all. I was a sham of a mother!

It was only in the last few years, when motherly confidence and wisdom finally set in, did I realize what I (and many of my friends) really wanted for the big day: We wanted and needed a break. We wanted to be appreciated. We also wanted to be with the children, but just not our children. You see, we wanted to be with the idealized children we imagined in our pre-parent lives. We wanted to be with the sweet, polite, un-booger-nosed, fresh-out-of-the-bath-smelling, silken-hair brushed children who give us hugs and kisses without us asking for them. We wanted the children who did what we asked immediately—with smiles on their faces.

We seasoned moms know this is not realistic and that’s all right. Feeling okay with not having the perfect dynamics with our kids is what makes us so perfectly maternal and deserving of a celebration on Mother’s Day.

When I asked one mom what she wanted for her big day, she summed it up for us:

“My kids take some magical drink that makes them sleep for 18 hours (at least). This drink is obviously non-harmful. I then stay in my pajamas guilt-free for most of the day while being able to occasionally gaze upon my beautiful, quiet, SLEEPING children at my leisure. Everyone is safe and happy and warm at home. I read a book whenever I want, or watch a great movie in broad daylight.”

If we cannot have those treats for Mother’s Day, however, we will happily accept that weekend away at Canyon Ranch.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

From traditional June Cleaver to sassy Peggy Bundy, there are lots of small-screen moms to applaud. Let’s take the time to celebrate the fabulous moms we’ve watched parent through the years. The awards for the best TV moms of all time go to…

By Ysolt Usigan

credit: AP

Carol Brady: Strength in Numbers

With or without a nanny, we’ll give props to any woman who’s raising six children (seven if you count Cousin Oliver). The Brady Bunch‘s Carol Brady managed to have a special bond with each kid, and always knew just what to say. The only thing we have trouble understanding is why she never lost it on any of them.

credit: AP

Peggy Bundy: The Spunkiest

Married With Children‘s Peggy Bundy is the kind of mom we all shamefully wish we could be. She made eating bon-bons her job, and managed to control her husband with utter hilarity. Plus, her style was decades ahead of the rest of the fabulous moms out there. We can’t help but envy her.

credit: AP

June Cleaver: The Classic Housewife

Don’t crucify us for saying this, but June Cleaver of Leave It to Beaver made our list because — well — she’s the epitome of the stay-at-home mom… It was the time before two incomes were absolutely necessary (thanks a lot, college tuitions), and pastimes like needlepoint and arranging tea roses were the norm for any housewife.

credit: AP

Clair Huxtable: The Power Woman

The Cosby Show‘s Clair Huxtable is the mom to be reckoned with. Not only did she juggle being a high-powered attorney, she raised five children. Doing it all with a partner-in-crime, funny dad Cliff Huxtable, we envy the relationship she had with every member in her family, and her superwoman ways. (It seemed like she could win any argument with her husband.)

credit: AP

Angela Bower: Boss Lady

She might’ve crossed the employer-employee line by eventually marrying her housekeeper, but we’re still a fan of Who’s the Boss‘ Angela Bower. Not only did the advertising executive run a tight ship (some might say uptight) — both in her home and office — she also knew how to juggle her career with being a mother. In fact, early in the series, she branched out to start her own advertising firm to have a better work/life balance.

credit: CBS.com

Christine Campbell: The Divorcee

We think Christine Campbell of The New Adventures of Old Christine deserves a round of applause for enduring one awkward mom moment: when your ex-husband starts dating a younger woman… And a woman that has the same name, dubbing you “old [insert your name here]” while we’re at it? That would set most of us off.

credit: AP

Roseanne Connor: Just Trying to Make It

Ignore the fact that during the last season of Roseanne, the family wins millions in the lottery, Roseanne Connor (pre-millionaire status) was just like most American moms. She clipped coupons, struggled to raise two problematic daughters, and would fight with her husband about real issues. She reminds us that we’re not alone — we all have issues.

credit: AP

Cindy Walsh: Won’t Spoil Them Rotten

Cindy Walsh of Beverly Hills 90210 (the first coming) landed a spot on our list simply because she’s down-to-earth. Although the stay-at-home mom was raising her teenage kids in the lap of luxury, she made sure to keep real life in perspective. Brandon and Brenda were never spoiled. In fact, they had to get (gulp) jobs! Okay, so it’s not like this mom defied odds — but in that zip code, that’s pretty extraordinary.

We agree that most of the time, mothers do know best, but they’re not always right. Remember those motherly words of wisdom when you were growing up that just didn’t sound, well, logical? Here, we debunk some of our favorite mommy-isms.

Why do kids loathe bathing? Everyone comes out smelling fresh and clean. Plus, you can play, float, and make funny hairdos with shampoo. Perhaps it is the primal fear of drowning, but most of us refused baths for the better part of our childhood. To avoid constant conflict, our moms needed to freak us out to get our stinky butts in the water. Who wants to be ostracized by peers because of the root vegetables sprouting out of our dirty little ears? Although she meant well, potatoes do not grow out of uncleaned body parts.

“If you shave your leg hair, it will come back thicker.”

credit: clipart.com

How many of us ladies regret ever having shaved that very first time, knowing that if we had left it alone, we would not have the beastly mess we now have to contend with in adulthood? We were all told that once we shaved, the hair will grow back both thicker and darker. Well, this is a myth. Whether you shave or not, leg hair grows and darkens as you age, unless you are one of the lucky few with eternal peach fuzz.

“Don’t go out with wet hair! You’re going to get sick!”

credit: clipart.com

Most of us know that colds are passed via direct contact with an infected person, so how could this be true? Yes, the body has to work harder in the winter months to stay warm, but a cold virus does not suddenly appear from nowhere to contaminate us. The reason why the incidence of colds go up so much during the colder months of the year is because that is when most people stay in and are forced to be in much closer contact with each other. Thanks, Mom, M.D, but we need to debunk this myth.

“If you keep crossing your eyes, they might stay that way forever!”

credit: clipart.com

Who as a child did not enjoy learning that they had the ability to cross their eyes? This skill came in very handy when we wanted to annoy someone. Back in the day, when moms were drinking martinis and did not have the wherewithal to explain why it was not nice to make faces, they chose the easy way out by scaring us. These moms meant well, but were a bit misguided. Pulling a funny face can sure look unattractive in a photo, but it does not cause crossed eyes.

Alma Schneider is a licensed Clinical Social Worker helping individuals overcome their psychological and practical obstacles to cooking and parenting on her blog and consulting business, Take Back the Kitchen. She is a native New Yorker transplanted to the suburbs with her husband, four children and loving yet stubborn Beagle Shiloh.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/top-mom-myths/feed/0Best Day Spas & Massages in Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-day-spas-massages-in-hartford/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-day-spas-massages-in-hartford/#commentsThu, 03 Mar 2011 16:20:32 +0000Claire Schneiderhttp://cbshartford.wordpress.com/?post_type=top-list&p=81Looking for a place to relax and be pampered? No problem. There are a number of places that are considered the best day spas and offer the best massages in Connecticut.]]>Looking for a place to relax and be pampered? No problem. There are a number of places that are considered the best day spas and offer the best massages in Connecticut. - Stephanie Geary

Body & Sole is where you go when you want to be pampered to the max. (Credit: bodyandsoledayspa.net)

Body & Sole Day Spa

Body & Sole Day Spa is one of the best day spas in Hartford. Body & Sole is where you go when you want to be pampered to the max. Services offered include massages like the triple trance, which lasts for an hour and a half. With the triple trance clients will experience the ultimate “trio of techniques” including therapeutic, hot stone and “a little sole” (ashiastu) massage. It will literally leave you in a trance. There are also skin care services like microdermabrasion and facials. There are also a few body treatments including scrubs and massage combined with a sugar scrub. For men, services include waxing, body treatments, and hand and foot detailing.

Lavender Fields Day Spa

Lavender Fields Day Spa has routinely been rated one of the best day spas in Connecticut by Hartford Magazine. What will guests find upon arriving to Lavender Fields Day Spa? True luxury and pampering. Guests at Lavender Fields Day Spa are given full use of the spa lounge, locker room, sauna and the European steam shower. Guests are also given a fruit spritzer or a cup of herbal tea. Services include facials, skin care, massage therapy, couples massage, body treatments and hair removal. There are also a number of spa packages, or you can even throw a spa party.

Massage for him and her are available at Victorian Day Spa. (Credit: victoriandayspa.com)

A Victorian Day Spa

Victorian Day Spa is one of the best day spas in Hartford. Choose from a number of different treatments including facials, body treatments, waxing, eyelash extensions, manicures and pedicures. Victorian Day Spa also offers therapeutic massages. Guests can get a one-hour deep-tissue massage for $80 or a 70-minute hot stone massage for $90. Victorian Day Spa also offers a prenatal massage for moms-to-be.

Try the bamboo massage, where the massage therapist kneads and rolls a bamboo stick all over your body. (Credit: artoftouchonline.com)

Art of Touch Therapeutic Massage & Skin Care

Voted one of the best day spas in Hartford by the Hartford Advocate, Art of Touch Therapeutic Massage & Skin Care is the place to go for pampering and relaxation. Services include facials, body treatments, therapeutic massage and men’s skin care. Try the bamboo massage, where the massage therapist kneads and rolls a bamboo stick all over your body.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-day-spas-massages-in-hartford/feed/1Best Resources For Single Moms In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-resources-for-single-moms-in-greater-hartford/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-resources-for-single-moms-in-greater-hartford/#commentsWed, 12 Jan 2011 21:42:22 +0000cbsstantonhttp://hartford.cbslocal.com/?post_type=top-list&p=25653Raising children can be especially challenging for single moms. The best resources for single moms in Connecticut include the Family Life Education program, the Single & Strong Wellness Center and shared support via Meetup.com.]]>Being a new mom isn’t easy even when you have a partner. Raising children can be especially challenging for single moms. Fortunately, the best resources for single moms in Connecticut can help. Whether it is education about parenting, financial help or just getting together with other moms, there is support for you out there. - Nicole Roberge

(credit: familylifeedu.org)

Family Life Education

30 Arbor St.
First Floor, South Building
Hartford, Ct. 06106
(860) 231-7744familylifeedu.org

Family Services at Family Life Education offers many resources for single moms in Hartford, including help with parenting, but also finding employment, seeking education, affordable housing, and, if needed, counseling and other assistance for any struggles the mother and/or child may be encountering. Such care for single mothers is given through this Nurturing Families program for families with children up to age five; the program offers a wonderful opportunity for both baby and mother to thrive.

Single & Strong

Single & Strong is a support group for single moms that offers a strong support system of others who know just what you are going through. After all, who could relate better to a single mother than a fellow single mother? Here is the opportunity to meet with a strong group of women and discuss the joys and difficulties or parenting. Find people to lean on for support and to help when no one else might understand. It is a great community. Meetings are the third Saturday of each month, from 10 a.m. to noon. There is no cost, and childcare is provided.

Farmington Valley Moms

Meetup.com is a great resource for new moms and single moms looking to connect with other parents. This particular group, the Farmington Valley Moms, is a group of mothers who get together for their own sake, as well as their children’s. It is a time for mothers to connect to one another and bond, forming positive and strong relationships. Meetings are Saturdays, and there is an application process.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-resources-for-single-moms-in-greater-hartford/feed/0Best Boutiques In Connecticuthttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-boutiques-in-hartford/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-boutiques-in-hartford/#commentsWed, 12 Jan 2011 20:31:54 +0000cbsstantonhttp://hartford.cbslocal.com/?post_type=top-list&p=25555When your looking not just to shop in Connecticut, but have a personable and meaningful experience while shopping, head to such boutiques as Kimberly, Vice Versa and Daswani.]]>There once was a time when shopping didn’t take place in mammoth-sized malls, when fashion needs were met by way of boutique shops and purchases were made face-to-face with friendly owners. When your looking not just to shop, but have a personable and meaningful experience while shopping, then the best boutiques in Connecticut are special places worth visiting. - Courtney Delong

(credit: shopkimberly.com)

Kimberly Boutique

Kimberly Boutique has designer fashions sure to make any girl swoon. BCBG, James Jeans and FRYE boots are just a smidgen of the various labels carried at this chic boutique. While the merchandise is always fresh and fashionable, the real appeal at Kimberly Boutique is the service. As high class as the store itself, the staff is friendly and attentive, without being overbearing. There is no attitude, only a shared love of feeling pretty and looking fabulous. Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. (Seasonal).

Vice Versa Boutique

Whether you prefer a hip vintage New York look or more of that West Coast flair, Vice Versa Boutique has got all fashions for every flavor. Each piece is hand selected by the owner, meaning no cookie cutter items can be found here. From sequin blazers, to mink coats, to ostrich feather skirts and vintage belted trench coats, Vice Versa is one of the best boutiques in Hartford for women who love clothes with both style and edge. Hours of operation: Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday by appointment only.

Daswani Clothiers

Daswani Clothiers may just be Hartford’s greatest gift to men when it comes to clothing, offering just about every style, from sportswear to ready-to-wear, formal wear to shoes, ties and accessories. Aside from its world-class selection, the store also offers services such as “made to measure,” “wardrobe consulting,” and custom-made suits, pants and shirts. In other words, if it doesn’t exist, then Daswani Clothiers will make it exist just for you. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

]]>http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-boutiques-in-hartford/feed/0Best Cupcakes In Hartfordhttp://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-cupcakes-in-hartford/
http://connecticut.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-cupcakes-in-hartford/#commentsTue, 11 Jan 2011 18:49:46 +0000nmenziehttp://cbshartford.wordpress.com/?post_type=top-list&p=25Recently, cupcakes have become all the rage. People are even swapping out the traditional wedding cake for tiers of cupcakes. In Hartford, local bakers are on board with this trend. Some companies even offer only cupcakes.]]>Recently, cupcakes have become all the rage. People are even swapping out the traditional wedding cake for tiers of cupcakes. In Hartford, local bakers are on board with this trend. Some companies even offer only cupcakes. – Stephanie Geary

My Dream Cupcake

It’s not only quality that makes the cupcakes at My Dream Cupcakes some of the best ones in Hartford – it’s also the amazing designs. My Dream Cupcakes offers unique and creatively designed, one-of-a-kind cupcakes. The cupcakes are also made with the finest ingredients from quality chocolate to vanilla bean to farm-fresh eggs. No shortenings, oils, trans fats or preservatives are used. Every cupcake is made to order. While My Dream Cupcakes does not currently have a store location, they deliver to your doorstep anywhere in Connecticut, seven days a week.

A Little Something Bakery

It’s A Little Something Bakery’s made-from-scratch style that enables the shop to have some of the best cupcakes in Hartford. Cupcakes can by ordered by singles, a half dozen or a dozen. They can be specially decorated for an event such as a holiday or wedding. Orders must be placed 72 hours in advance. The bakery is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Cupcake Brake

At The Cupcake Brake, a mobile cupcake truck in Hartford, customers can create their own cupcakes, choosing from a number of different frostings and fillings. What makes the cupcakes from The Cupcake Brake some of the best in Hartford is their natural, local ingredients. The Cupcake Brake also has cupcakes that are served on specific days, like The Capital, vanilla cake with pecans, pineapple and banana, served on Wednesdays. Just check The Cupcake Brake’s Web site to find the schedule for where and when the truck will be “braking.” Their schedule can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

(credit: Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

Elmwood Pastry Shop

1136 New Britain Ave.
West Hartford, CT 06110
(860) 233-2029

Elmwood Pastry Shop in West Hartford is known for their baked goods, including their cupcakes. With a mix of French, Italian, Polish and Swedish influences to their baked goods, Elmwood Pastry Shop has some of the best cupcakes in Hartford. The shop is open Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.